Erik ten Hag is staying at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have given Erik ten Hag a vote of confidence following a thorough two-week review into his future, dispelling sack speculation for the remainder of the summer. And while the Dutchman's early trophy record has undoubtedly done him no harm, another aspect of his first two years in charge has reportedly impressed INEOS.
After FA Cup glory on May 25, Sir Dave Brailsford led the 17-day audit into an otherwise disastrous 2024/25 season.
United's new decision-makers exited the process satisfied that Ten Hag was the strongest candidate to take United forward into next season.
But he may have already received his marching orders if United suffered a second successive FA Cup final defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester City.
Up until the final game of the season at Wembley, Ten Hag had overseen the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing eighth and missing out on European football altogether.
United also crashed out of the Champions League group stage, winning just one of their six matches against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
However, a shock 2-1 victory against City made Ten Hag the first United manager to lift major trophies in back-to-back seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011. It also earned Europa League qualification.
Erik ten Hag has a strong relationship with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
And the two players who scored his side's goals are claimed to be the primary reasons why INEOS have kept faith in the 54-year-old.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have transitioned from academy hopefuls to first-team stalwarts under Ten Hag's stewardship.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the duo's success serves as proof that Ten Hag has excelled with the club's strong tradition of bleeding youth into the senior squad.
The report adds that there is hope among INEOS that his positive track record with his younger players so far bodes well for improvement next season and beyond.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
During Ten Hag's unveiling in the summer of 2022, he explained that he planned to integrate at least one academy player into his first team every season.
Garnacho debuted under Ralf Rangnick in the 2021/22 season but became a permanent senior star under the former Ajax boss.
Mainoo made his first-team bow in Ten Hag's maiden campaign before becoming one of the first names on his teamsheet last term.
The United boss will undoubtedly use pre-season to take a closer look at the next crop of starlets before deciding who he wants to push in his third year at the helm.
