Manchester United considering retaining Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup after winning during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Manchester United considering retaining Erik ten Hag

Joel Omotto 19:16 - 27.05.2024

Erik ten Hag could yet end up staying at Manchester United next season as the club has not ruled out the possibility of retaining him despite recent reports that he will be sacked.

Manchester United are mulling over the possibility of keeping Erik ten Hag as their manager for the upcoming season.

After leading the club to their 13th FA Cup triumph against Manchester City, United officials have signaled that they haven't ruled out retaining the Dutchman, according to Manchester Evening News.

Ten Hag, 52, is currently under contract with United until next year, with the club holding the option for an additional year.

Despite considering potential replacements and engaging in discussions with intermediaries in recent weeks, United have emphasised that any decision regarding the manager's position will be made following a comprehensive review of the season.

Kieran McKenna, the current Ipswich Town manager, withdrew himself as a candidate for the Chelsea managerial position, expressing a preference for United. McKenna, formerly a coach at United, led Ipswich Town back to the Premier League but is cautious about rushing into a decision.

Meanwhile, Chelsea appears to be eyeing Leicester coach Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino's successor, with former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi also in consideration. Leicester, on the other hand, is already on the lookout for a new coach.

Former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, recently released by Chelsea, have expressed interest in managing United. Pochettino, in particular, has long coveted the United job, with previous player support in his favour during the summer of 2022.

Despite speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has refrained from offering assurances.

Ratcliffe, along with INEOS Group members involved in United's operations, has made structural changes within the club, appointing a new chief executive in Omar Berrada and head-hunting Dan Ashworth as the inaugural sporting director.

The restructuring comes after a disappointing season for United, finishing eighth in the league and enduring a record 14 defeats. However, their FA Cup victory secured Europa League qualification, marking Ten Hag as the first manager to secure silverware in successive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011.

As United prepare for another squad overhaul, they remain open to offers for most players, except for a select few. Despite the challenges, the club remains committed to reshaping its future under the leadership of its managerial team.