Manchester United has announced that Erik ten Hag will remain as the club’s manager following an end-of-season review. The decision to retain Ten Hag comes after talks between the Dutchman and the club’s hierarchy. Both parties expressed a preference for his tenure to continue, leading to discussions about extending his contract, which currently runs until next June with an option for an additional 12 months.
The uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future had been a cause for concern among fans and pundits alike. However, after winning the FA Cup last month with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, it was reported that the club would conduct a review of the 2023-24 campaign, including Ten Hag’s performance. Potential replacements were being considered, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Kieran McKenna.
Ultimately, it was decided that Ten Hag would continue as manager after a process led by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford. This decision comes despite United’s disappointing season, where they finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position in the league’s history. With a points total of only 60, their goal difference of minus-one was also the wrong side of zero for the first time in 34 years.
Defensive issues plagued United throughout the season, with 58 goals conceded, the most in a league season since 1978-79. They also had the highest expected goals conceded in the league, surpassing even the record set by Derby County in their relegation season with just 11 points. In the Champions League, United finished bottom of their group and conceded the most goals at that stage of the competition in Premier League history.
The team’s attack also struggled at times, failing to score in four successive games for the first time since 1992. They set other unwanted records, such as conceding the latest winning goal by an away team at Old Trafford in Premier League history and suffering nine defeats at home in all competitions, a feat not seen since their relegation season in 1973-74.
Despite these shortcomings, Ten Hag has managed to win two trophies in his first two seasons as United’s manager. He finished third in the Premier League and won the EFL Cup in his debut season, reaching the FA Cup final as well. Ten Hag’s track record of success has led him to express his determination to win trophies, even stating that if United did not want him, he would go elsewhere to achieve his goals.
The decision to retain Ten Hag is part of a wider restructuring at the club, with changes being made to the footballing structure and new appointments expected. Omar Berrada of Manchester City will join as the new chief executive, while Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United is set to become the new sporting director. Jason Wilcox has already been recruited as the club’s technical director.
In conclusion, despite a disappointing season for Manchester United, the club has chosen to keep Erik ten Hag as their manager. While there were options for potential replacements, Ten Hag’s track record of success and his desire to win trophies played a significant role in the decision. Although there are areas of improvement needed, particularly defensively, the club’s hierarchy believes that Ten Hag is the right person to lead them forward. With further restructuring and new appointments in the footballing structure, United aims to bounce back and compete for silverware once again under Ten Hag’s guidance.