Paul Scholes has reacted to Erik ten Hag's Man Utd stay. (Image: GETTY)
Paul Scholes admits he was convinced Manchester United's 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last month spelt the end for Erik ten Hag's reign. However, while insisting that "major improvement" is required, the Old Trafford icon is satisfied with INEOS handing the Dutchman a third season in charge.
The 54-year-old is set to sign a new contract beyond 2025, likely with revised terms to recognise a switch from manager to head coach under INEOS' new sporting structure.
Ten Hag was widely expected to be sacked after overseeing an eighth-place finish last season, United's lowest in the Premier League.
The Red Devils also crashed out of the Champions League group stage, managing just one win from six matches against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
However, Ten Hag became the club's first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 to lift major trophies in back-to-back seasons by orchestrating an FA Cup masterclass on May 25.
United beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in a repeat of the 2023 final through goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The performance and both goals coming from products of Ten Hag's proven ability to transition academy stars into first-team stalwarts were seemingly enough to convince INEOS of his credentials.
Erik ten Hag is set to sign a new Man Utd contract. (Image: Getty)
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Scholes was among the pundits heavily critical of United throughout their disastrous campaign up until their FA Cup triumph.
But the legendary midfielder is pleased to see Ten Hag given the chance to turn his fortunes around beyond the summer rather than a fifth coach failing to succeed his boss, Ferguson.
"Nice to wake up to this news, although I did think Palace away felt like the end," Scholes wrote on Instagram this morning.
"Major improvements needed, but at least we have a bit of continuity and don't have to wait for a new regime to settle in."
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Paul Scholes reacted on Instagram. (Image: INSTAGRAM)
Scholes added that while he backed United's decision to stay loyal to Ten Hag, the Dutchman and his players had to give the club's fans more to cheer about than last season.
He continued: "Fans have given him and the players incredible support and deserve better next season."
Most United supporters have received INEOS' decision to stick with Ten Hag well, but there is a universal acceptance that his side must improve next season.
Despite being on the verge of penning a new deal in M16, Ten Hag likely won't escape scrutiny for too much longer if the start of the 2024/25 campaign is just as much of a nightmare.
