Football News: Manchester United to Retain Erik ten Hag as Manager, Extend Contract
In a significant move, Manchester United have decided against dismissing manager Erik ten Hag and will instead open negotiations for a new contract, according to reports from reputable football journalist David Ornstein.
The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with new United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considering the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Tuchel as potential replacements.
“However, following United’s surprise FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City, Ratcliffe and his team have opted to move forward with Ten Hag as the club’s manager. The report states that the decision was made after an extensive end-of-season review process led by Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.”
It is now expected that Ten Hag’s current deal, which was set to expire next June with an option for a further 12 months, will be extended in a show of faith from the new ownership group.
The news comes despite United’s underwhelming 2022-23 campaign, which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League – their lowest finish in the Premier League era – and fail to advance from their Champions League group, finishing behind Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and FC Copenhagen.
However, the club’s FA Cup victory has ensured their participation in the Europa League next season, providing a glimmer of hope for the Red Devils’ faithful.
If Ratcliffe had decided to part ways with Ten Hag, the report suggests he would have targeted a number of high-profile managers, including Tuchel, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Pochettino, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.
United’s decision to retain Ten Hag and extend his contract is a significant show of support for the 54-year-old, who will now have the opportunity to build on his first season at the club and attempt to steer them back towards the upper echelons of the Premier League and European competition.
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