Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United manager. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s season review concludes that a record of two trophies in two seasons, his development of Bryant Mainu and Alejandro Ganaccio, combined with the Dutchman’s professionalism Spirit and dignity mean he deserves the chance to continue. Negotiations for the Dutchman’s new contract have begun.
The decision marks a reversal in assessment of Ten Witches’ possible future. Ratcliffe and his advisors had previously planned to remove him, but a number of factors ultimately convinced them to retain the Ten Witches.
Ratcliffe and his colleagues were impressed by last month’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, which saw Ten Hag win two trophies in two years in charge; 54-year-old His contribution to making 19-year-olds Garnacho and Mainoo regulars in the first team; and the manager’s dedication. There is also a realization that last summer’s signings Andre Onana and Mason Mount have not yet been fully resolved.
While the review has entered its third week, the club are committed to making the right decision regarding Ten Witches and are confident they have now done so, with the hierarchy viewing the 60-plus injuries he has had to deal with as a mitigating measure.
There are also multiple issues off the pitch, including the varying challenges of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Anthony, as well as uncertainty over ownership after the Glazer family put the club up for sale in November 2022.
That situation only ended just before Christmas, when Ratcliffe’s takeover as a minority shareholder was announced, alongside the Ineos owner’s two top appointments, chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth’s appointment, which became official in February, has yet to be confirmed.
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United considered a variety of potential candidates to replace Ten Hag, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi , Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Wolves’ Gary O’Neill and England head coach Gareth Southgate.
However, it is understood that following a season review analyzing United’s eighth-place finish in 2023-24 – their lowest finish in the Premier League – and wider first-team operations, the club and Ten Hag have held constructive conversations about the results.
The manager will remain in office after this period. He has one year left on his current term and discussions have now begun on a new deal.
