EXCLUSIVE: Nine factors that facilitated Erik ten Hag’s retention of his position as United manager

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign will be led by Ten Hag, according to the end-of-season review.
On Tuesday night, Ineos’ end-of-season review eventually provided clarity: Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United manager, seventeen days after the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag now has a position from which he can chart the next chapter of his United premiership, despite the uncertainty and rumors that have persisted. In many ways, this was the antithesis of white smoke emerging.

Things will be different under the rule of Inoes. The Dutchman will be perceived as a head coach rather than a manager, and he will be a part of a fluid system that includes Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada, and Dan Ashworth when they commence their respective duties at Old Trafford.

Additionally, there is a substantial amount of work to be done, particularly in the transfer market, which Ten Hag has exercised an excessive amount of control over since his arrival in 2022. The acquisitions of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Ramsus Hojlund last summer have been met with varied results, while the signings of Casemiro and Antony have been particularly scrutinized.

Nevertheless, the Ineos regime has regarded the latter triumvirate favorably, regarding them as an illustration of Ten Hag’s long-term strategy. Decision makers at Old Trafford may consider their transfers to be feasible with the additional time to settle in for the upcoming season.

Ineos’ evaluation also took into account Ten Hag’s proclivity for cultivating young talent, including Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. It is highly regarded that the Dutchman has already transformed two teenagers, who have undeniable potential for growth, into Premier League champions.

ManchesterWorld comprehends that the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, which was notably significant in light of the disappointing Premier League finish this season, was also considered a critical milestone.

However, Ineos took into account mitigating factors, including the large number of injuries in the league and the challenging circumstances in which Ten Hag has had to operate. There is a sentiment that the former Ajax manager merits the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities within a new sporting framework.

In addition to his commitment to the position, Ten Hag’s dignity and professionalism were also significant factors in his favor. However, it is uncertain whether the United manager genuinely believes that his superiors are behind him, particularly in light of the club’s flirtatious gestures toward potential replacements.

The end-of-season review was never going to be rushed, as United’s stance is unambiguous. As one source put it, there are too many “knee-jerk” reactions in football.

Although Ineos may have previously glanced under the hood, this was the initial MOT and service, a procedure that was always intended to be comprehensive. The club does not consider two weeks to be an unreasonable amount of time.

It is now imperative for Ineos to establish a “best-in-class” environment for the team, construct plans, and create bridges, irrespective of the past. In principle, this should be a simpler task for Ten Hag, as it is less chaotic and stripped back.

It is now imperative to establish a precise strategy, maximize the potential of his players, and concentrate exclusively on the outcome of football matches. In the most competitive division in the world, this may not be as straightforward as it appears.