Erik ten Hag is to remain as the manager of Manchester United. Here is what United in Focus writers think of the decision.
The decision came to light on Tuesday that Ten Hag would remain in the role as Manchester United manager, which came as a shock to many.
There had been speculation for months as to whether the Dutchman would stay or depart Old Trafford – with numerous managers rumoured in the process.
Now, a final decision has been confirmed, meaning the Red Devils can look ahead to the 24/25 season and begin preparations for the new campaign. But should Ten Hag have been the man in that position to prepare? We give our verdict.
Should Erik ten Hag have remained as Manchester United manager?
United in Focus reacted to the news Ten Hag would remain around Carrington, with an overwhelmingly positive response.
Dan Coombs
“Put simply, I had no desire to see Manchester United rip up the Erik ten Hag era and start again. How many times would history further repeat itself?”
“United need stability, and at some point, you need to back a manager, through the good times and the tough times. Why not back a trophy-winning manager?’
“It feels like the pain of the 2017-2023 era, six trophyless years, has been forgotten, his achievement of winning silverware in back-to-back years is huge. Ten Hag’s players never gave up fighting for him, and there is lots to fight for. Give him a proper structure, which Ineos intend to do, and we will see further improvements.
“His faith in youth has also been great to see, there are plenty more young talents coming through who will benefit from working under him. The final point is that there was no compelling case for any replacement as an upgrade.’
“It would have been a coin flip or worse. Let’s stick with what we have. The prospect of Southgate being appointed would have been utterly miserable.”
Jonny Maze
‘The decision to keep Erik ten Hag was really the only outcome Ineos had after spending three weeks post-FA Cup final deliberating over their options only to end up with no first-choice.’
‘Whether it’s the correct decision or not remains to be seen, but the important thing is now the club can focus on transfers and make moves to strengthen Ten Hag’s team. Ultimately, I think this decision from Ineos will pay off, but only if they back him. Bring on next season.’
Adnan Riaz
‘Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ decision over Erik ten Hag is a welcomed one, but one that was unnecessary and involved a long-winded process to achieve the only outcome that Manchester United fans wanted.’
‘Ineos chief Ratcliffe could easily have turned into the villain had he sacked Erik ten Hag and replaced him with a manager that fans weren’t keen on (ahem, Gareth Southgate). Obviously, Ten Hag still needs to turn the ship around at Old Trafford after a really disappointing Premier League campaign.’
‘However, the Ineos team need to fully support him in the transfer window and show their full endorsement for Ten Hag – publicly, I should add – after the whole season review fiasco.’
Danny Owen
‘Like all United fans, I’ve been back and forth on this. In the end, I feel I’d like to see what Ten Hag can do with a fully fit squad and some new signings to play with, with that first season so promising. Also, the progress Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Holjund have made can surely only continue with the manager who trusts them at the helm.’
Kieran Smith
‘First off, I am just glad this whole meticulous debacle is over, and we finally know that Erik ten Hag is the man to steer the ship for the 24/25 campaign. I for one, am over the moon that Ineos have finally come to their senses.’
‘I was at the FA Cup Final against Manchester City, which was arguably the turning point for Ten Hag, and the consensus in the crowd was leaning one way, and one way only, they were Ten Hag in. In a season filled with off-the-field turmoil, injury woes galore and a plethora of player issues – the gaffer still emerged with a trophy.’
‘It was 100% the correct decision to keep him at the helm, and I think he’s going to prove his doubters wrong next season. Roll on the new campaign.’