Manchester United has decided not to seek a new manager and will retain Erik ten Hag.
After an unimpressive season at Old Trafford that saw his team finish eighth, the Premier League’s biggest clubs have put their support behind the Dutchman and are talking about a new deal, even if they are still screening potential candidates.
According to sources, the club’s unexpected FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City enhanced Ten Hag’s case.
United executives contacted Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Thomas Frank as possible replacements; Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS spearheaded the process.
But Tuchel disassociated himself from the position following their discussion with Ratcliffe last week in Monaco.
After the season ended, United conducted a performance evaluation that included talks with Ten Hag.
After weighing all possible outcomes, they reportedly concluded that Ten Hag, 54, was the most qualified candidate for the position.
Mail Sport is aware that United executives want to observe Ten Hag’s operations within what they hope will be a new framework designed to give him the best chance to succeed.
INEOS’s decision is also said to have been influenced by factors related to United’s inconsistent season, including an ever-expanding injury list and teething issues with several new arrivals.
Prior to the start of last season, the club made big acquisitions in Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, but both players struggled before settling into a groove. Mason Mount, on the other hand, was injured for the majority of his time in Manchester after the club purchased him for £60 million from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Ten Hag has received praise for his development of young players, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho emerging as two standouts of the 2023–24 season despite an at times punishing lack of availability.
On July 13, Omar Berrada, the chief executive, is scheduled to come from Manchester City. While negotiations are on to attract Dan Ashworth from Newcastle to Old Trafford as sports director, Jason Wilcox has already arrived as technical director.
Positive talks with Ten Hag are believed to have taken place, with the manager and club in agreement. Contract extension negotiations have begun.
