Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has extended his contract at Old Trafford until 2026.
The Dutchman was entering the final year of his current deal and under pressure after guiding the club to their worst ever Premier League finish of eighth.
However an option to extend his stay by a further season has been exercised in the wake of the end of season review carried out by the club’s owners after the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
✍️ Here to stay.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 4, 2024
Despite speaking to a number of potential replacements and being strongly linked with the likes of Gareth Southgate, they have decided to back the 54-year-old former Ajax boss, who has won silverware in each of the past two seasons.
The club is set for an off-field restructure with rumours that former Red Devils striker and ex-PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could return to the club as part of ten Hag’s coaching staff.
ten Hag told the club website: “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.”
Still work to do
ten Haag however warned United fans there was a long way to go before they return to the glory days, saying: “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.”
Dan Ashworth, United’s Sporting Director, added: “With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.
“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 club.”
