Manchester United’s new co-owners INEOS have concluded their review of the season with a decision to continue with Erik Ten Hag at the helm despite holding talks with several candidates about potentially replacing the Dutchman, Soccernet.football reports.
Ten Hag oversaw United’s worst ever Premier League campaign in a disappointing and injury ridden 2023/2024 season where they finished in eighth place, thirty-one points off winners Manchester City and with a minus one goal difference.
Despite guiding the Red Devils to a surprise victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, new Manchester United co-owners INEOS, reportedly spoke to potential managerial replacements including former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking to Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag confirmed that he was aware of the situation; “INEOS took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
“Here in Holland this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.
“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
The former Ajax boss went on to explain how the news that he would be continuing in his current role as United manager was delivered, saying with a smile; “Manchester United flew to me in Ibiza to tell me that I was gonna stay. So they disturbed my holiday, they suddenly stood at my doorstep.”
With one year remaining on his existing contract, Ten Hag confirmed that discussions will take place for a contract extension; “We had a good discussion and various topics were discussed. One of the conclusions is that we will extend the contract, but we still have to reach an agreement.”