Manchester United board’s decision to retain Erik ten Hag was far from unanimous
Manchester United informed Erik ten Hag that they are planning on keeping him as the head coach next season and interestingly, they are also going to open talks over a contract extension with him.
It has not been an easy few weeks for the manager after the end of last season, as an eighth place Premier League finish kept him on the verge of being sacked despite winning the FA Cup.
The Times has reported that the Red Devils needed close to three weeks to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future and had cut off communication with him during their unusually long season review.
While on holiday at Ibiza, the Dutchman was informed that his position is safe but it has emerged that there was only one person in the club’s boardroom who was against firing the coach. Sir Dave Brailsford, who is INEOS’ director of sport, was crucial in retaining Ten Hag’s services though he too was inclined towards having a conversation with Gareth Southgate regarding the United role.
It turned out that the England manager’s hesitance in committing to a new role before the end of Euro 2024 proved to be an important juncture in Man United’s decision to hold onto the Dutchman. Brailsford, the only person in the boardroom keen on sticking with Ten Hag, cited at the under-pressure manager’s FA Cup win and development of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo of late.
While the 54-year-old did little right last season, Garnacho and Mainoo have been brilliant revelations whereas the FA Cup success helped evade a trophyless year for Manchester United.
It is fair to say that while his job is secure for the moment, Erik ten Hag will face a test against time next season and will need to start strongly to be in the hierarchy’s good books.
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For now, he has Brailsford to thank for pointing towards the handful of good things he has done in an otherwise controversial couple of years at Old Trafford.
