Why Man Utd decided to keep Erik ten Hag - Fabrizio Romano

Carlo Garganese

• 12 Jun 2024 11:20 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has explained the reasons why Manchester United decided to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer.

Ten Hag had been expected to be sacked after a generally miserable 2023-24 campaign in which - despite winning the FA Cup - Man Utd finished eighth in the Premier League and were dumped out of Europe at the Champions League group stage.

United held an internal review on Ten Hag’s future and even spoke to a number of potential managerial replacements, but it was revealed on Tuesday in a shock development that the Dutchman will be staying at Old Trafford.

Indeed, a number of sources have even reported that Ten Hag could sign a new contract at the club.

What did Romano say?

Romano explained that the key reason why United kept Ten Hag was because they are impressed by his work with young players.

This was the “key factor” in the decision, with Ten Hag having helped bring on the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo - two youngsters who represent the future of the club.

It was also noted that after slow starts to their United career, Ten Hag also oversaw a big improvement in the performances of Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana in the second half of last season.

Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were all linked with the Man Utd job in recent weeks, but the Red Devils have opted to keep faith with Ten Hag.

The former Ajax manager led the club to FA Cup glory last month, sealing his second trophy in just two years at the club.

United beat Man City 2-1 at Wembley and it is likely that this victory also helped to save Ten Hag his job.

Had United lost that match, it is difficult to imagine Ten Hag still being the Man Utd manager for the 2024-25 season.