Manchester United Reaffirms Erik ten Hag’s Position After Extensive Review
INEOS Impressed by Ten Hag’s Integration of Youth Talent
Manchester United has given Erik ten Hag a vote of confidence following a thorough two-week review of his future, putting to rest any speculation about a summer sacking. Despite the tumultuous 2024/25 season, Ten Hag’s early success with trophies and his effective youth integration have reportedly impressed INEOS, the club’s new decision-makers.
Sir Dave Brailsford led a 17-day audit following United’s FA Cup victory on May 25, which ultimately led to the decision to retain Ten Hag. The Dutchman is expected to sign a contract extension beyond 2025 soon, solidifying his role at Old Trafford.
This decision might have been different if United had lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City. Before the final, United had their worst Premier League season ever, finishing eighth and missing out on European competitions. They also exited the Champions League group stage with only one win in six matches.
However, a surprise 2-1 victory over City in the FA Cup final marked Ten Hag as the first United manager to win major trophies in consecutive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011, securing Europa League qualification.
The goals scored by Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in that final are highlighted as key reasons for maintaining faith in Ten Hag. Both players have transitioned from academy hopefuls to first-team regulars under his guidance.According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag’s successful integration of youth players aligns with United’s tradition and is seen by INEOS as a promising sign for the future. During his 2022 unveiling, Ten Hag emphasized his intention to promote at least one academy player to the first team each season.
Garnacho, who debuted under Ralf Rangnick, has thrived under Ten Hag, while Mainoo made his first-team debut last season and has since become a mainstay. Ten Hag is expected to use the upcoming pre-season to assess the next wave of talent for potential first-team inclusion in his third year.Manchester United has decided to retain Erik ten Hag as manager following a comprehensive review, confirming their confidence in his leadership despite a challenging 2024/25 season. The review, led by Sir Dave Brailsford over 17 days after United’s FA Cup victory on May 25, concluded positively for Ten Hag, largely due to his success in integrating youth talent into the first team.
INEOS, the club’s new decision-makers, were particularly impressed by Ten Hag’s ability to develop and promote academy players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom played crucial roles in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City. This victory not only secured Europa League qualification but also marked Ten Hag as the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win major trophies in consecutive seasons.
Despite United’s poor Premier League performance and early Champions League exit, the FA Cup triumph and Ten Hag’s commitment to youth development have reinforced the club’s decision to extend his contract beyond 2025. This continuity aligns with United’s tradition of nurturing homegrown talent and promises a focus on integrating more academy players into the first team in the upcoming pre-season.
