Manchester United are in concrete discussions with Erik ten Hag over a new deal after concluding he will stay as manager for the 2024/2025 campaign.
The former Ajax boss’s current contract has only twelve months remaining, with the option of a further twelve-month extension. United plans to sanction a longer-term deal to instil confidence in him and the team ahead of a promising new season.
Endorsement from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS Group
The decision comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group completed a lengthy end-of-season review and agreed to stick with the Dutchman after recognising the significant improvements and achievements, specifically by winning two trophies in back-to-back seasons.
Since Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are taking control of the club’s football operations, the club feels that Ten Hag deserves another chance to show its capabilities under a new structure, which includes a new technical director, sporting director, and chief executive.
Mixed Results from Last Season
United finished last season in eighth position in the Premier League, missing out on a Champions League place. However, they capped off the season with an impressive victory in last month’s FA Cup final, defeating their bitter neighbours Manchester City at Wembley. This emphatic performance seemingly earned Ten Hag another chance and a new contract.
Even before last month’s FA Cup final, wider reports suggested that United planned to dismiss Ten Hag after a disappointing season. They were also eyeing and recently having discussions with other managers to replace him, including former Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel and England coach Gareth Southgate, to name a few.
Development of Young Players
Other factors in Erik ten Hag’s decision to keep his job were the significant and major improvements in developing United’s younger players, including Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho and rising England star Kobbie Mainoo, who has recently been selected to travel to the European Championships in Germany with the squad.
United’s review summarised that after a difficult season, the increasing number of injuries in the squad and not having key players at his disposal went in his favour, along with his impeccable dedication and professionalism to the job at hand.
