Ten Hag is the first United manager to win trophies in consecutive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson. File photo: ReutersDespite the team’s lowest-ever Premier League result of eighth, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will remain in charge for next season and has begun talks with the Old Trafford club about extending his contract, according to British media.
The decision follows an end-of-season evaluation by the club’s board for the 2023-24 season, which culminated in a stunning FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.Ten Hag’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season, with the club able to extend it for another year.
Ten Hag, the former Ajax Amsterdam coach, was under increasing criticism after 20-times English champions United had their worst start to a season since 1962-63, with eight defeats in their first 15 games across all competitions.
They finished eighth with 14 defeats in 38 league games and were eliminated from the Champions League in the group round.Ten Hag’s job security had been a source of concern all season, and many experts predicted that the FA Cup final would be the Dutchman’s last game with the club, win or lose
.But, seconds after their stunning victory, the 54-year-old insisted he would be back and claimed he had the club’s owners’ full support all season.
“I’m working on a project, and we’re right where we want to be. We’re forming a team. When I got over, United was in disarray, and we are working to build a team for the future,” he told reporters at Wembley.
Ten Hag cited United’s revolving door of injuries last season, which was the highest of any Premier League team and focused in important areas such as central defence.
He also discussed the breakout seasons of young players like midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is a member of England’s Euro 2024 squad in Germany, and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.
In Ten Hag’s two seasons in command, United have appeared in three Wembley finals and won two trophies, including the League Cup last season.
According to media reports, the club’s post-season evaluation took into account all possibilities, with the clear preference being for Ten Hag to remain in charge at Old Trafford. (Reuters)
