As the sun set over the Mediterranean, Erik ten Hag allowed himself a moment of reflection. Just hours earlier, the Manchester United manager had learned that he would be keeping his job, despite a tumultuous first season at the helm. Sipping a glass of red wine while on vacation in Ibiza with his wife, Bianca, Ten Hag could finally exhale.
It had been a rollercoaster ride of a season, with Ten Hag’s future hanging in the balance after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace just a month earlier. However, an unexpected FA Cup final victory over bitter rivals Manchester City, in which they entered as 8/1 underdogs, had seemingly secured his position.
So, what were the reasons behind this surprising turn of events? Firstly, Ten Hag’s ability to develop young players was a key factor. Despite being forced to turn to the youth ranks due to injury problems, he had shown a willingness to trust and promote academy stars, such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Additionally, the club’s new owners, Ineos, were keen to have a more homegrown feel to the squad, which aligned with Ten Hag’s approach.
Speaking of injuries, Ten Hag had endured a nightmare season in that regard, with no team in the Premier League suffering more injuries. Key defenders, such as Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez, had all missed significant periods, leaving Ten Hag with a makeshift backline for much of the campaign. This was acknowledged by Ineos during their extensive review, and they are now keen to see how Ten Hag fares with a fully fit squad.
Furthermore, Ten Hag’s signings, such as Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, had taken longer than expected to settle into the team, but with a full preseason under their belts, there is optimism that they will come good. The same can be said for Mason Mount, Ten Hag’s number one target last summer, who missed most of the season through injury. With a full squad available, Ten Hag will be expected to deliver better results.
A new structure at the club is also expected to ease the workload on Ten Hag, with the arrivals of CEO Omar Berrada, Technical Director Jason Wilcox, and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth. This could see Ten Hag’s influence on transfers reduced, and his role shifted to a ‘head coach’ rather than ‘manager’ title. Nonetheless, Ten Hag’s future now looks secure, as Ineos determined that there were no obvious upgrades available among the potential replacements.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was able to indulge in a glass of wine while on holiday
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have determined that Ten Hag will remain as United manager
1. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The most compelling argument for Ten Hag’s retention was his work with United’s young players. The club has a proud history of developing homegrown talent, and Ten Hag has shown a commitment to giving academy stars a chance.
He has been instrumental in the development of Kobbie Mainoo, who is now pushing for a starting spot with England’s youth team, and has helped elevate Alejandro Garnacho into a key member of the first team. Despite difficult moments, Ten Hag has kept faith in Hojlund and has also integrated several other youth players into the first-team group.
Recognizing the importance of youth development, Ten Hag stated, “We have many good, young players. We have to develop their skillset, build a stronger connection with Manchester United, and instill a winning attitude. That is the foundation for winning trophies.”
With Ineos’ desire for a more homegrown squad and Ten Hag’s proven track record in youth development, he was always going to be a strong candidate for the job.
Kobbie Mainoo was a shining light for United, making his breakthrough into the first team
Man United recognize the work Ten Hag has done with Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho (right)
2. INJURY CRISIS
When asked about his injury crisis in defense after the final game of the Premier League season, Ten Hag described it as a “nightmare.” Indeed, no other team in the league had to deal with as many injuries as United, and Ten Hag often found himself without three of his four first-choice defenders.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both missed significant periods, with Malacia out for the entire season, leaving United without a recognized left-back. Lisandro Martinez, a Ten Hag signing and United’s best center-back, was also sidelined for most of the campaign, while other defenders like Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans struggled with injuries throughout the season.
Lisandro Martinez battled injuries and was sorely missed in defense
In total, Ten Hag had to contend with over 60 injuries, something he had never experienced before in his managerial career. Recognizing the unprecedented nature of the injury crisis, Ineos decided to overhaul the medical department and give Ten Hag a chance to start the next season with a clean slate.
With a fully fit squad, Ten Hag was able to lead United to victory in the FA Cup final, and a healthy squad could be the key to his success in the upcoming season.
Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Thomas Frank (right) were considered as potential replacements for Ten Hag
Former Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel met with Ratcliffe in Monaco
3. SIGNINGS NEED TIME
The success of Ten Hag’s signings will play a crucial role in determining his future at United. Last season’s signings, which were intended to be long-term investments, took longer than expected to adapt to the team.
Andre Onana, brought in as a replacement for David de Gea, struggled with high-profile errors in his first six months, costing United a place in the Champions League group stage. Meanwhile, young striker Rasmus Hojlund showed promise but was plagued by injuries just as he was finding his rhythm.
Mason Mount, Ten Hag’s top target last summer, missed most of the season due to injuries. However, Ten Hag remains convinced that Mount will be a key player for United, stating, “I’m sure he will be a very good player for Manchester United. It’s been unfortunate with his injuries, but when he gets into a rhythm, he will contribute to a successful Manchester United.”
With a full preseason under their belts, Ten Hag’s signings will be expected to hit the ground running next season, and their performance will be a key factor in his future at the club.
The FA Cup victory and increased fan support influenced Ratcliffe’s decision
4. NEW STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORT
While it was humiliating for Ten Hag to have his bosses actively searching for a replacement, a brand new structure at the club is expected to ease the workload on him. The arrival of CEO Omar Berrada, Technical Director Jason Wilcox, and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth is intended to create a best-in-class footballing structure that can turn United’s fortunes around.
Ten Hag’s influence on transfers may be reduced, and his role could shift to a ‘head coach’ rather than ‘manager’ title. The £400 million he spent on transfers since joining the club is said to have raised eyebrows with the ownership group. However, conversations between Ten Hag and Ineos are described as ‘constructive,’ and he will be expected to adapt to the new system.
With fewer responsibilities away from the pitch, Ten Hag will be able to focus more on coaching, and the hope is that this will lead to improved results.
5. LACK OF COMPELLING ALTERNATIVES
As Ten Hag continued to face questions about his future, Ineos held talks with potential replacements. Former United coach Kieran McKenna was an attractive option before he committed to Ipswich, and representatives of Brentford boss Thomas Frank also held discussions.
Gareth Southgate, a favorite of incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, could not commit ahead of Euro 2024, and former Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who met with Ratcliffe in Monaco, is said to be taking a break from football. Mauricio Pochettino, who recently parted ways with Chelsea, also has his admirers at Ineos.
Winning the FA Cup and the new structure are expected to help Ten Hag
Ratcliffe (right) is set to hand Ten Hag (left) a new contract as a show of support
However, after an exhaustive review, Ineos determined that none of the available candidates were an obvious upgrade on Ten Hag. With no clear replacement, the decision was made to stick with the current manager and give him the support he needs to succeed.