- Erik ten Hag revealed that he and Man United are yet to agree a new contract
- The Dutchman survived the club’s season review but only has a year on his deal
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! How Southgate made it enjoyable to play for England again
Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains murky after he revealed he and the club are yet to reach a contract agreement.
The Dutchman has 12 months left on his deal at Old Trafford but is in talks over a reported two-year extension.
Ten Hag survived the protracted season review conducted by the club’s part-owners, INEOS, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 54-year-old was told he would keep his job 17 days after beating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final. United finished eighth in the Premier League this season.
‘Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this,’ Ten Hag told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
‘United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.’
Indeed, the Red Devils sounded out multiple replacements, including Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Kieran McKenna.
Ten Hag was on holiday in Ibiza when he learned he would be staying on at Old Trafford after club officials flew out to meet him.
He added: ‘Manchester United disturbed my holiday. They suddenly stood at my doorstep. They flew to me in Ibiza.
‘Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
‘Here in Holland this is ‘not done,’ in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.
‘As in any organisation, and that seems very sensible to me, there is an evaluation. Conclusions were drawn from there. The new leadership is playing football for the first time.’
Ten Hag has been in charge at Old Trafford since May 2022 when he arrived from Ajax.
In his first season he led United to third in the Premier League and a Carabao Cup triumph.
Last campaign was more sour, with United recording their lowest-ever Premier League finish and being knocked out of the Champions League group stages.
United are set to return for pre-season training during the first two weeks of July.
They then head on tour in the USA, where they will take on Arsenal on July 27 in Los Angeles.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
