Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United looked precarious just a few weeks ago. Despite a successful first season that yielded a Carabao Cup trophy and a third-place Premier League finish, a disappointing start to the current campaign fueled speculation about his position. However, recent reports suggest a change of heart from the club’s new ownership.
The Mirror cites a report from iNews claiming that Manchester United are planning for Ten Hag to remain in charge next season. This comes after a crucial victory over arch-rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals seemingly bought the Dutch manager some much-needed breathing room.
However, the decision isn’t entirely set in stone. There’s a sense of cautious optimism surrounding Ten Hag’s future. The club’s hierarchy, recently taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, reportedly wants to finalize the appointment of a new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, before making a definitive call on Ten Hag’s long-term future. Ashworth’s input is seen as crucial, especially considering Ten Hag’s contract runs until the summer of 2025.
This reported shift in stance by the club’s new ownership is a significant development. Previously, reports suggested some Manchester United players even expected a managerial change. Ten Hag’s second season has undeniably been a challenge. Inconsistent results and a perceived lack of progress, particularly after a significant summer transfer window spend, had put him under immense pressure.
However, the recent FA Cup win over Liverpool seems to have been a turning point. This victory, coupled with United still being in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League, appears to have convinced the ownership to give Ten Hag another chance.
Looking ahead, the upcoming appointment of Dan Ashworth is a key factor. Ashworth, known for his successful transfer dealings at Brighton, is expected to play a major role in shaping Manchester United’s future squad. His collaboration with Ten Hag will be interesting to watch, with questions lingering about how much influence the new sporting director will have on potential changes in playing style or player recruitment.
