Erik ten Hag | File Image
The board has also offered to extend Ten Hag’s contract beyond next season
By Valentine Amanze
Contrary to speculations that Erik ten Hag would be sacked by the owners of Manchester United following the club’s poor 2023/24 season, the board decided otherwise, and the Dutch retains his job as manager.
The cheery news came after the board reviewed his performance with an injury hit team coupled with an archaic structure.
The board has also offered to extend Ten Hag’s contract beyond next season.
It was gathered that the board instigated its review immediately after the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag went into the game against Manchester City at Wembley amid a backdrop of reports claiming he was going to be sacked no matter the outcome.
Also read: How Manchester United silenced critics with FA Cup victory at Wembley
Instead, United’s deserved 2-1 victory allowed the club hierarchy to approach the review in a more positive light.
Nigeria News Flight however gathered that what was described as “constructive conversations” with Ten Hag have taken place around the outcome of the review.
All eventualities were considered and the clear preference was for the 54-year-old Dutchman to remain in charge.
Ten Hag is said to be delighted at the outcome on Tuesday, although there have been suggestions that he was getting irritated at the time taken for United to reach their conclusion.
Manchester United board do not believe that two weeks is an unreasonable length of time to conduct a thorough assessment of what is the first season under a change of ownership.
Thomas Tuchel is thought to have spoken to new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week but ruled himself out of the running, while the club’s interest in Mauricio Pochettino also cooled even though he was available after his exit from Chelsea.
Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi and current England boss Gareth Southgate were also linked with the job, although Brentford were never contacted about Frank and appointing Southgate this summer was impossible due to his commitments with England. Ten Hag has been on holiday with his family in Ibiza.
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