Manchester United have announced they have extended Erik ten Hag's contract as manager until 2026.
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Dutchman's new deal confirmedRewarded for FA Cup winClub arranging new coaching staffWHAT HAPPENED?
The manager has officially been given the vote of confidence by United's new minority owners INEOS one month after they called off the search for a new boss. United have triggered the extension on Ten Hag's initial three-year deal, meaning he signs on the same terms as before and will not get a salary increase. United are still working on assembling a new coaching staff for Ten Hag, with legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy being considered for a role.
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“I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined," Ten Hag said. "However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles. In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."
WHAT DAN ASHWORTH SAID
“With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football," said Dan Ashworth, United's new sporting director. "While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes. This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently. With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United held an open search for a new manager after the club's results dramatically declined towards the end of last season, leading to them finishing eighth in the Premier League, their lowest ever finish. They spoke to Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank while holding serious discussions with Thomas Tuchel, before eventually deciding Ten Hag was the best man for the job. Ten Hag's role in leading United to victory in the FA Cup final over Manchester City was a key factor in deciding to give him another chance to put things right.