Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to stick with Erik ten Hag (Image: Getty)
Erik ten Hag clung on to the Manchester United job after impressing club bosses in three key areas. The Dutchman’s future has been at the centre of a performance review which has taken place since the end of a season that saw United finish a lowly eighth in the Premier League and crash out of the Champions League in the group phase.
Crucially though, Ten Hag ended a fraught campaign, not helped by a crippling injury list, by surprisingly beating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final. It was thought that still may not be enough to extend the former Ajax boss’ two-year reign.
United’s football department, led by joint-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, looked at potential alternatives, specifically Gareth Southgate,Thomas Tuchel,Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi. Ultimately though, they have decided to stick with Ten Hag, who, in a further statement of faith, is set to be handed a new contract, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
But why have the Reds Devils decided to stick rather than twist? The Mirror report club chiefs have been impressed by Ten Hag’s unrelenting work ethic and dedication to the role, plus his dignity and professionalism under the intense pressure that comes with the manager’s job at Old Trafford.
Another key factor was the way exciting youngsters, especially Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo (the scorers in the cup final), have developed under his watch. Ratcliffe and his team have accepted the squad’s injury woes were a factor in the team’s shortcomings in the league and Europe. It was also felt he deserved the chance to prove himself within the club's recently implemented football structure.
It’s fair to say other factors have helped keep Ten Hag in the job too. Ratcliffe is believed to have gone as far as holding talks with Tuchel, only for the parties to go their separate ways.
Erik ten Hag is set for a new contract after keeping his job (Image: Getty)
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Meanwhile, Southgate, an ally of incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, was unwilling to hold talks until after Euro 2024. However, if the England manager, who wants to return to club management one day, steps down after the Euros, he will be on the radar of a host of clubs.
With his future secure – at least for now – Ten Hag desperately needs a good transfer window and a strong start to the 2024/25 season to fend off further speculation over his future.
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