Reports in England suggest that Manchester United will be keeping Erik ten Hag as manager for the upcoming season.
After conducting an end-of-season review following United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, there were rumors of a potential departure for the Dutchman. However, it now appears that there could be discussions about a contract extension for Ten Hag.
Erik Ten Hag Lifting The FA Cup with his players
The likes of England’s Gareth Southgate, former Chelsea bosses Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna were considered frontrunners for the managerial role if Manchester United had decided to part ways with Erik ten Hag.
Following Manchester United’s unexpected FA Cup triumph, the reported end-of-season review resulted in “constructive conversations” between the club and Erik ten Hag, leading to a mutual decision to extend their partnership.
Manchester United ended last season in eighth place in the Premier League, posting a negative goal difference, and was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage, much to the disappointment of fans.
Erik Ten Hag’s contract, which he took over from interim manager Ralf Rangnick, was due to expire in June 2025.
Since arriving at the club before the 2022/23 season, Erik ten Hag has managed Manchester United in 86 matches, winning 53, drawing nine, and losing 25.
The former Ajax manager faced a setback by losing his first Premier League match 2-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and then suffering a 4-0 defeat to Brentford. This made him the first Manchester United manager since 1921 to lose the first two games of his tenure.
The Dutchman guided his side to the EFL Cup that season with a 2-0 win over Newcastle and eventually secured a top-four finish in his maiden campaign.
Following their trophy win, Manchester United suffered a devastating 7-0 loss to arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
This defeat marked the heaviest loss in the history of their encounters, equaled United’s record for their heaviest defeat, and was the first time the team conceded seven goals in a match since 1931.
Ten Hag has repeatedly insisted injuries were to blame for poor results and was defiant in the face of intense questioning about his future following the FA Cup final at Wembley, saying: “If they [United’s owners] don’t want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”
After securing a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley to claim his second trophy in two seasons, Erik ten Hag has been enjoying a holiday in Ibiza.
With the confirmation that he will remain in charge, he is expected to return to Carrington for the commencement of pre-season training in July. Manchester United will kick off their summer campaign with a match against Rosenborg in Norway on July 15.
