Revealed: The key to Man Utd's Ten Hag contract talks

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 17 Jun 2024 12:29 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are hoping to tie Erik ten Hag down to fresh terms, with the club’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City thought to be a significant factor in the decision, FootballTransfers understands.

We are told that the Dutchman impressed the club with his bullish determination to overcome the Premier League winners at Wembley.

It's a result that remains decisive, given the local rivalry between the two clubs, as well as showing Ten Hag to be a coach who is capable of leading the Premier League giants to silverware.

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Ten Hag revealed that he was aware Man Utd had approached other managers before ultimately deciding to retain him following a challenging season. Ten Hag mentioned that he was on holiday in Ibiza when club officials arrived to inform him of their decision to keep him as the manager.

"The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza," he told Dutch TV channel NOS. "They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me."

"Ineos took their time. They are new to football; it's normal to reflect on the season. It's no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.

"In the Netherlands, that is not done. You are not even allowed to talk to another club if there is a current manager there. But in England, the rules and laws are different.

"Manchester United have told me that they spoke with [Thomas] Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.

In his inaugural campaign, Man Utd beat a reinvigorated Newcastle to clinch the League Cup, and Ten Hag made it two trophies in May with a win over Pep Guardiola's side, beating the Citizens 2-1.

It's thought that the hierarchy are happy with how the head coach has handled himself during the takeover process, as well as a number of off-the-field issues.

Man Utd conducted an extensive review of the season upon its conclusion - a process that lasted two-and-a-half weeks. After talking to a number of potential candidates, the club opted to stick with Ten Hag.

There is confidence in his ability to develop some of the younger players, with Kobbie Mainoo breaking through last season and winger Alejandro Garnacho the campaign before that.

Man Utd look ahead

The Red Devils slumped to their worst-ever Premier League finish, landing in eighth spot, but the club recognised that the side endured among the most injuries in the Premier League and key positions were severely impacted, such as Lisandro Marinez and Mason Mount being out for a sizeable chunk of the campaign.

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Man Utd spent lavishly in the summer transfer window but there is an understanding that new signings made for long-term will take time to become accustomed to the league.

The review concluded that Ten Hag was the right fit for the job going forward and that the Dutchman has done enough to warrant further time at Old Trafford.

There were complaints made about the length of time it took to review the situation but the club wanted to be diligent and ensure that they reached the correct outcome, especially as the hierarchy remains relatively new.