Erik Ten Hag, the boss of Manchester United, is reported to be staying on for the coming season and is in discussions with the Old Trafford club about lengthening his contract. This is in spite of the team finishing the Premier League in an all-time low eighth position, as the UK media has indicated.
Following an end-of-season evaluation by the club’s directorate for the 2023-24 term, this move was decided upon, concluding the season on a positive thanks to a surprising victory in the FA Cup final against pre-game favourites, Manchester City. Ten Hag’s current contract is due to expire at the end of next season, but the club can extend it for another year.
Ten Hag, the former head at Ajax, was subjected to escalating strain as the 20-times English champions United had their poorest season kickoff since 1962-63, losing eight of their opening 15 matches across all contests. With a total of 14 losses in 38 league matches, they came eighth and were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.
Throughout the season, Ten Hag’s position was debated and numerous analysts voiced that they thought the FA Cup final might be the Dutchman’s final outing with the team, regardless of the outcome. Yet after the team’s exhilarating victory, the 54-year-old dutchman stated he was certain he’ll be back and assured he had the support of the club’s proprietors for the entire season.
He affirmed that they were exactly where they intended to be in the project of restructuring the team from the chaotic state it was when he took over. He also mentioned the growth of their team, their victories and the identity they’ve gained. He outlined the need for a robust squad, especially in the fiercely competitive Premier League.
Ten Hag further highlighted the highest number of injuries experienced by the United team last term. He further commented on the impressive progression of young talents, such as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, now in England’s Euro 2024 squad in Germany, and Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho. During Ten Hag’s two-year tenure, United has participated in three Wembley finals and secured two victories, with the last season’s League Cup included.
Following the club’s end-of-season evaluations, news outlets have reported that maintaining Ten Hag at the helm of Old Trafford was the overwhelmingly favoured outcome, despite considering all possibilities. Notable names including Thomas Tuchel and the current England coach, Gareth Southgate, were among those linked as prospective replacements.
In the period following Alex Ferguson’s 2013 departure, United has hired Ten Hag as their fifth full-time boss, indicating their ongoing pursuit for a manager to steer them back to the pinnacle of their successful past.
In his inaugural season, Ten Hag took United to a commendable third place in the league.
© Copyright Thomson Reuters, 2024