Erik Ten Hag has signed a contract extension with Premier League giants Manchester United following a not-too-impressive season.
Ten Hag’s previous deal, which he signed when he was appointed in 2022, was due to end in 2025.
However, Erik Ten Hag has penned a one-year extension to the contract, which will see him remain as manager of the Old Trafford side at least until 2026.
The Dutchman, who joined Manchester United from Ajax, has won two major trophies in two years at Old Trafford – 1 FA Cup and 1 Carabao Cup title.
Erik Ten Hag Statement On Signing Contract Extension With Manchester United
Speaking on penning a contract extension with Manchester United, Ten Hag shared that there has been visible progress at the club since he became boss of the side in 2022:
He said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.
“Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.”
Erik Ten Hag also noted that there is still much work to be done for the club to get back to its glory days.
The 54-year-old added: “However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.”
Manchester United concluded Erik Ten Hag’s first season in England in third position, with the Dutchman also putting an end to the club’s six-year wait for silverware, as they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.
However, the ex-Ajax boss’ second season was far more difficult as the Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.
FA Cup Final Win Saved Erik Ten Hag’s Job
Thankfully for Erik Ten Hag, he tactically masterminded Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final played on May 25, 2024, and that win appears to be what has kept his job.
Manchester United, led administratively by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his investment in December 2023, reviewed the team’s performance in the 2023/24 season after the triumph at Wembley in May.
The review saw the Red Devils speak to possible replacements for Ten Hag, before eventually opting to stick with the Dutchman.
The INEOS group handling the footballing side of things at Manchester United have taken decisive steps and moves in refining the club’s structure.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revamped the club’s board structure since acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club.
INEOS Group Making Necessary Revamping Of Manchester United
Several important figures have joined the club; Jason Wilcox has joined the Red Devils as technical director after leaving Southampton, while CEO Omar Berrada dumped Manchester City for rivals Manchester United.
Additionally, INEOS head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth, whose switch to the Old Trafford side as Sporting Director from Newcastle United was recently confirmed, have all joined in senior positions.
Ashworth also spoke about working with Erik Ten Hag to achieve the lofty ambitions of Manchester United.
He said: “This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently.
“With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club.”
Manchester United are in talks with Ten Hag to restructure his backroom staff, with ex-Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was PSV Eindhoven manager from 2022-23, expected to return to Old Trafford as part of a rejigged coaching set-up.
Go Ahead Eagles handler René Hake is also set to join the coaching staff of the Red Devils ahead of the 2024/25 season.
