Aoba Tanaka 
Erik ten Hag is set to remain as manager of Manchester United following a post-season performance review by club chiefs, according to British media reports on Tuesday. The BBC reported that United are in discussions with the Dutchman about extending his contract at Old Trafford, which is currently in its final season.
Ten Hag’s second campaign with United concluded on a high note with a shock 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City. However, the build-up to the Wembley match was overshadowed by speculation about his future, following reports that new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe planned to sack him regardless of the result.
United endured a challenging season, finishing eighth in the Premier League – their lowest position since 1990 – and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag, 54, has remained focused on his project to rebuild the team.
“The only thing I am doing is preparing my team, developing my team, progressing my team and individual players. This is for me a project,” Ten Hag stated after the FA Cup final. “When I came in, things were a mess. We are now better but by far not where we want to be.”
Throughout the season, various managers have been linked with the United job. Speculation intensified last week when reports surfaced that Ratcliffe had held talks with Thomas Tuchel. However, the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss has reportedly ruled himself out of the running. The club’s interest in Mauricio Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea, has also cooled. Other names mentioned in connection with the job include Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and England boss Gareth Southgate.
Despite the turbulent season, Ten Hag achieved notable successes. In his first season, he ended a six-year trophy drought for United by lifting the League Cup in 2023 and securing a third-place finish in the league, raising hopes of a Premier League title bid for 2023/24. However, the team lost 14 games and finished with a negative goal difference, trailing champions Manchester City by 31 points.
Ten Hag is United’s fifth permanent manager since the end of Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden reign in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His commitment to the club and determination to improve the team have reportedly convinced United’s hierarchy to consider extending his stay.
As the discussions about his contract continue, Ten Hag’s focus remains on building a team capable of challenging for top honors, emphasizing that the work is far from over. The upcoming season will be crucial for both the manager and the club as they strive to return to their former glory.
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