Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to continue in his role for the upcoming season and has initiated discussions with the Old Trafford club regarding a contract extension, despite the team's record low Premier League finish in eighth place, as reported by British media. This decision follows an end-of-season review by the club's board for the 2023-24 campaign, which concluded on a positive note with an unexpected FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. Ten Hag's current contract extends until the end of the next season, with the club holding the option to extend it by another year. The former Ajax Amsterdam coach faced mounting pressure after United, 20-time English champions, endured their worst start to a season since 1962-63, with eight losses in their first 15 matches across all competitions. They finished eighth in the league after suffering 14 defeats in 38 games and were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage. Ten Hag's position had been under constant speculation throughout the season, with many analysts predicting the FA Cup final would be his last game, regardless of the outcome. However, immediately following their exhilarating win, the 54-year-old affirmed his commitment to returning and stated he had received full support from the club's owners throughout the season. 'I'm in a project and we are exactly where we want to be. We're constructing a team. When I took over, it was a mess at United, and we are on our way to construct a team for the future,' he told reporters at Wembley. 'The team is developing, the team is winning, and the team also plays to an identity. What you need to play is to be available, you need a strong squad in top football, and especially when you play in England, the Premier League is so competitive.' Ten Hag highlighted United's extensive injury issues last season, the most in the Premier League, particularly affecting key positions like central defence. He also discussed the emergence of young talents like midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, part of England's Euro 2024 squad in Germany, and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho. In Ten Hag's two seasons at the helm, United have competed in three Wembley finals and secured two trophies, including last season's League Cup. Media reports indicate that all scenarios were evaluated in the club's post-season review, with a clear preference for Ten Hag to remain in charge at Old Trafford. Potential replacements considered included Thomas Tuchel and England manager Gareth Southgate. Ten Hag is United's fifth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, as the club continues its search for a leader to restore their former glory. He led United to a third-place finish in his debut season.
Text: Lara Palmer
12.06.2024
Manager enters contract extension talks after surprising FA Cup win and end-of-season review.