Man Utd's SHOCK Ten Hag decision: Manager names the four big winners

Robin Bairner

• 12 Jun 2024 06:37 BST
• 4 min read

The news that Erik ten Hag is staying on as Manchester United manager broke on Tuesday to general acceptance.

After a protracted season review that stretched more than two weeks, the likelihood was that the new Man Utd board were always likely to go with what was in place. That has been confirmed by reports on Tuesday.

The logic of doing so appears to be because there are no better options out there, with Ten Hag doubtless aware of the manner in which he has been humiliated over the last 20 days or so.

READ MORE: Man Utd DENY offering €60m for France wonderkid

While there will be a string of Man Utd players disappointed with the outcome of the review – the former Ajax boss has fallen out spectacularly with Jadon Sancho, for example, while his relationship with others also appears strained – he has already named four who can be particularly optimistic over their futures at the club.

While the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have won widespread praise and are seen as key for the future, Ten Hag outlined a strong supporting cast he saw as a “foundation” for the future during an interview with Voetbol International. Another manager might not treat them so kindly.

“Andre Onana has proven to be a strong reinforcement, despite not having a settled defence in front of him,” Ten Hag argued.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Man Utd target is '100% leaving' - Fabrizio Romano

“Diogo Dalot has developed well this season and the same goes for Scott McTominay, who scored 10 goals, and Harry Maguire.

“And Bruno Fernandes, with fifteen goals and twelve assists, is simply one of the stars in the Premier League in the second half of the season, he has done a great job. So there really is a solid foundation in the selection. If we now create a good transfer window, we can really start rebuilding and take great steps.”

Safe under Ten Hag?

Ten Hag may be stripped of his responsibilities in terms of talent identification, yet Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to give him the freedom to select which positions he wishes to sign in.

The quartet of Onana, Dalot, McTominay and Maguire may not find themselves entirely safe at Old Trafford, but it appears they have a new-found ally in the form of the manager and it appears likely they will play a significant role for Man Utd next term.