Erik ten Hag will remain Manchester United coach.
United and Ten Hag are understood to be aligned following the club’s end-of-season review, a process which lasted more than two weeks and saw other managers canvassed for the role.
However, the review’s conclusion is that Ten Hag should remain in charge, and negotiations have begun over a contract extension for the Dutchman.
Ten Hag’s current contract ends at the end of next season, with the club having the option to extend it for a further 12 months.
United finished in a disappointing eighth place, their worst result of the Premier League era, but beat rivals Manchester City to win the FA Cup – Ten Hag’s second trophy in as many years.
Ten Hag faced a team ravaged by injuries throughout the season, but managed to salvage Europa League qualification with victory over City at Wembley.
The review concluded that Ten Hag deserve a chance to show what more they are capable of within the new sporting structure set up after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS took charge of football operations.
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Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Franck, Kieran McKenna And Gareth Southgate were all linked with taking over at Old Trafford, but the club has now committed to Ten Hag.
Tuchel, South Gate And McKenna were probed during the review, which was reportedly more in-depth than usual due to the new ownership structure. The process should be similar in the future.
Ratcliffe’s INEOS has taken control of the club’s footballing operations since becoming a minority shareholder in February and has overseen significant personnel changes.
Jason Wilcox has started work as technical director, while Omar Berrada will take over as the new general manager this summer.
Why did Man Utd decide to stick with Ten Hag?
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho score against Man City at Wembley
United’s review recognized the significant achievement of winning two trophies in two seasons – particularly the quality of the FA Cup victory over City.
Ten Hag’s dedication would be admired by United’s decision-makers, along with the dignity and professionalism with which he conducted himself.
The emergence of academy products Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo under Ten Hag and his work to develop them were among other factors United considered.
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Louis van Gaal – who was sacked after winning the FA Cup at Man Utd – believes Erik ten Hag deserves more time
The review also took into account mitigating factors, including injuries to Ten Hag players and the number of problems concentrated at key positions.
United also believe new signings including Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana need time to settle in, while Mason Mount spent most of last season on the sidelines due to injury.
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Dharmesh Sheth, Sky Sports News journalist:
“Remember, he maintained throughout his discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he believed he would be the man to lead Manchester United the striker, that he was under contract until at least next summer and that he had no reason to believe that he would not be the coach.
“Manchester United conducted their post-season review following their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
“Following this review of last season and the operations of the first team, the club and Erik Ten Hag We had constructive discussions about what happened this past season and what might happen in the future.
“Manchester United have considered all eventualities. They have spoken to other managers and representatives of other managers – Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna And Mauricio Pochettino. But the conclusion after this review and all these discussions was that Ten Hag would remain manager.
“It is believed that the club and Ten Hag are aligned and have now started negotiations over a contract extension. This is really important. He has one year left on his contract.”
