After interviewing and monitoring other candidates, the Manchester United board have decided to continue with Erik ten Hag as manager of the club ahead of the 2024-25 season, with a contract extension set to follow, according to reports in England.
The decision was taken by INEOS after an end-of-season review, with the co-owners agreeing to continue with the Dutchman – who lifted the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City.
Before lifting his second silverware with the Red Devils in the final in May, widespread reports making the rounds suggested Ten Hag was set to coach the final game of his tenure after an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League with a negative goal difference and also an exit in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
However, no concrete decision was made regarding the 53-year-old’s future, with the FA Cup triumph boosting his chances of his stay.
Names like England’s Gareth Southgate, former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were among the favourites to takeover had the club split with Ten Hag.
A meeting was also held with ex-Bayern, Chelsea and PSG gaffer Thomas Tuchel but the German opted to take a break from management, declining the option to join United.
The review — which was reported to have taken place immediately after United’s surprise FA Cup victory — is suggested to have ended with “constructive conversations” between both parties and a decision to continue together.
Talks have already begun over a new contract, with the former Ajax manager said to be happy with INEOS’ decision and no personal issues despite the long review with the focus now on the club project.
The club are also reportedly pleased with his role in the development and growth of academy youngsters like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo as the trust in young players is thought to be a path INEOS are keen of following.
Ten Hag, who has been in charge of 86 games, winning 53, drawing nine and losing 25, had his contract set to expire in June 2025, after the exit of interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
United had lifted the EFL Cup with Ten Hag in his first season and he will now continue in the new era of the club with Jason Wilcox joining as technical director, while Omar Berrada will start as the new chief executive this summer.
