Erik ten Hag has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Manchester United until the summer of 2026.
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The Dutch manager’s contract was due to expire in the summer of 2025 but United have activated his extension clause for a further year.
Ineos took over United’s football operations a few months ago and has made major changes across the club, including appointing Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Sir Dave Brailsford to senior roles, but has retained Erik ten Hag as manager despite his harsh criticism of United’s play last season.
“Having won two trophies in the past two seasons, Eric has strengthened his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football,” said Ashworth, Manchester United’s new sporting director. “Our review of the club last season highlighted areas for improvement but also came to the clear conclusion that Eric is the best partner to work with to improve standards and results.”
“This group of players and staff have already proven they have the ability to compete and win at the highest level – now we just need to do that more consistently. Now with a strengthened football leadership team in place, we look forward to working hand in hand with Eric to achieve our shared goals for this football club.”
What does Erik ten Hag have to say?
Ten Hag won the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons in charge but finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League last season, but a win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final secured a place in the Europa League group stage, giving ten Hag a second trophy to add to the League Cup he won in his first season in charge in 2022-23.
Speaking about extending his stay at United, Erik ten Hag said:
“I am very pleased to have agreed to continue working with the club and looking back over the past two years I can be very proud of two trophies and the many examples of progress that have been made since I joined,” ten Hag said.
“However, I must also be clear that a lot of work still needs to be done to reach the level expected of Manchester United, in terms of challenging for English and European titles. In discussions with the club, we are fully aligned in our vision for achieving these goals and we are all strongly committed to walking that path together.”
Is this the right decision?
Only time will tell, but this is certainly a safe decision and gives ETH the confidence that with an entirely new set-up, some skilfully developed rising stars such as Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainu, some key new players and hopefully better luck on the injury front for him and United, he can galvanise his team and become a top four team again.
Last season may have been an aberration, and ten Hag could point to reaching two cup finals (and winning the League Cup) and finishing third in his first season as manager as true testament to his ability, but the team played poorly for much of last season, injuries plagued the team and they were often outplayed and dominated, even in the games they ultimately won.
Looking ahead to next season, if United can keep Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez fit and add a defensive midfielder, striker and centre-back in the transfer window, they should be in the running to be in the top four.
With all the changes INEOS has implemented behind the scenes at United, it will take some time before things start to look up.
It is a huge vote of confidence that Erik ten Hag has been given the keys to lead the team in his first full season in charge of football operations at Old Trafford and he must now prove that last season was a one-off and shepherd an attractive style of play while delivering results with a talented young squad.
