Manchester United

Bill Rice
BBC Radio Manchester sports editor

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So, 17 days after Manchester United ended their season with victory over Manchester City, it has finally emerged Erik ten Hag will stay as boss.

The Dutchman is understood to be delighted, although it is thought he was becoming irritated with how long the board's season review was taking.

Supporters remain behind him, not particularly convinced names linked with the job - Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter - would have been an upgrade.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel did meet United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but he opted to drop out of the running, making it more straightforward to retain Ten Hag.

Indeed, all eventualities were considered, and the board's clear preference was for the 54-year-old to remain in post.

So unlike his compatriot Louis van Gaal, sacked after his United side lifted the FA Cup, Ten Hag has survived, despite their worst Premier League season.

He is not the first United manager to save his job by winning the FA Cup and parallels with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1990 are clear.

Back then, Ferguson's job was on the line after finishing 13th with a minus goal difference, but after winning the cup, he did not look back. The rest, as they say, is history.

It took a while, though. The next season Ferguson's United improved slightly, but still only won 16 of their 38 league games in finishing sixth. However, they did lift the European Cup Winners' Cup by beating Barcelona in Rotterdam.

If Ten Hag can mastermind glory in the Europa League next season, it would surely endear him even more to supporters - but to survive long term at Old Trafford, he will need their league form to improve considerably too.

The FA Cup final demonstrated what United can achieve when their players are fit and available, and how the manager's tactics can be effective.

The futures of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will now be of primary concern, along with defensive reinforcements to ensure they do not suffer the kind of injury crisis again that blighted this campaign.

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You "can't ignore" what Erik ten Hag has delivered for Manchester United, according to Stretford Paddock YouTuber Jay Motty.

Speaking to BBC North West Tonight, Motty said: "I'm glad he's staying, I've always wanted him to stay.

"He is the right man for the job. I know last season in terms of the league position and some of the results it wasn't good enough but you can see what he is capable of when he has got a fully fit squad.

"He has delivered two trophies in two season, been to three cup finals and beaten Manchester City in an FA Cup final this year. I don't think you can ignore that.

"United need to get out of this habit of just sacking managers. It is time to stick, time to stick with this guy and get him under the new structure with Ineos.

"You've got football people coming in that understand how to run a football club and that's the first time we have had that here since before Sir Alex left."

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Manchester United cannot be accused of rushing their end-of-season review. They have assessed their options and concluded that Erik ten Hag is the best fit to manage the team.

The matchgoing fanbase stuck by Ten Hag throughout and the backlash would have been fierce had United’s new co-owners parted ways with the manager.

These fans are not naive in thinking there will not be bumps along the way. Ten Hag’s side went from overachieving in his first season to finishing eighth in the Premier League with a depleted squad last term.

However, the Dutchman has two pieces of silverware to show for it, becoming the first manager ever at Old Trafford to win back-to-back trophies in his first two seasons. This is significant when you consider the ability to deliver trophies has challenged previous United managers.

Ten Hag’s work with young players gives more reason to be optimistic. The emergence of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo should encourage academy prospects since they have a manager keen on youth development.

It should also help that Ineos have control over football operations, allowing for a football-focused support network to be built around the manager.

United have done their due diligence and come to the right conclusion.

Fasten your seatbelts.

Image source, Getty Images

We had an overwhelmingly positive response when we asked you how you felt about Manchester United keeping Erik ten Hag, so we simply had to serve up some more of your views:

Frank: Stability (hopefully) breeds consistency. A pragmatic decision to give Erik ten Hag a third season. Clear out the under-performers, strengthen the squad and improve our tactical resilience/consistency.

Paul: It's the correct decision. Last season's list of injuries was astonishing and we saw what a difference the return of just one player in Lisandro Martinez made in the cup final. Addressing the reasons behind so many injuries has to be the key now.

Amish: Ineos have done this their way. They made an informed assessment of the past two years by reviewing the evidence available. Ten Hag wasn’t the problem as the track record of previous four managers has proven. Success will depend on how the new leadership creates an enabling environment for the manager to flourish in a collaborative manner

Peter: Jim Ratcliffe didn't get where he is today by making 'off-the-cuff' decisions. He and his team have acted totally professionally in reviewing the whole structure at the club before making their decision on its future management. Ten Hag is, reportedly, frustrated at the time taken for this review, but he must be impressed by the professionalism.

Wayne: Best decision. Why Pochettino? Failure after small success with Spurs. Southgate has done nothing when he supposedly has the choice of England's best and Tuchel is another Chelsea failure. Give Ten Hag a chance. Now the board has also changed there is hope they will assist in getting the players they want.

Steve: The one shining light from last season was Ten Hag. While all around him faltered - from the owners (old and new) to the medical staff and the players - Erik stood strong and delivered a trophy for the history books and European football for a club that belongs there. Sign him up for another three years and give the man what he needs to get the job done.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath on Manchester United's decision to keep Erik ten Hag: "I think the fans have always been on the fence about Ten Hag. I don't think there was any strong candidate that could have stolen their hearts, and the way Ten Hag also came out fighting in his speech after the final game at Old Trafford, there was that little inkling of desire.

"We can talk about how bad this season was but he was suffering a lot with injuries that we've never seen before. If he's got another year, we hopefully turn to bigger and better things. Hopefully the players he brought in can stay fit for the season.

"It's not like there were not any reasons for him to go. The first time having a minus goal difference was not great. Finishing eighth isn't great either. No other manager can survive that but then having two trophies in two years has kept him hanging on.

"Also, the candidates weren't really out there. We were talking about Thomas Tuchel who didn't win anything at Bayern Munich this year and got sacked by Chelsea. Gareth Southgate is with England until mid-July, but I don't think I'd like him as the manager.

"One more year so let's see."

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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Manchester United will say rigorous - supporters will say tedious. However, two and a half weeks after Erik ten Hag lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, the club has reached the correct decision.

In the wake of Tuesday's news, the devil on my right shoulder is reminding me of the depths to which last season sunk.

A record-low eighth-place Premier League finish with a minus one goal difference? Abysmal.

A Champions League group-stage exit after just one win from six games against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray? Embarrassing.

And don't get me started on the injuries. But were they down to an over-intense training schedule overseen by Ten Hag? Ineos' decision after a review of operations at Carrington suggests not.

On my left is an angel reminding me that Ten Hag is the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 to win major trophies in back-to-back seasons.

I am not ashamed to admit United's FA Cup final performance against Manchester City drew tears of pride and shock. I was not the only one.

That is impactful, as is Ten Hag's proven ability to establish academy hopefuls into first-team stars. Exhibit A) Alejandro Garnacho. Exhibit B) Kobbie Mainoo. And it feels like Exhibit C is right around the corner.

Do not get it twisted - United must improve next season. Progression is compulsory, even if the Dutchman signs a new contract. And Ineos need a back-up plan if things looks ominous by Christmas.

However, I am now sure the Red Devils will start the 2024-25 campaign with the right coach in the Old Trafford dugout.

It is time to get behind him.

Following Manchester United's post-season review, manager Erik ten Hag will get to keep his place in the Old Trafford dugout for another season and is set to be offered a contract extension.

Despite the Red Devils' difficult 2023-24 campaign in the Premier League and Europe, they still qualified for Europe with an impressive FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City.

That followed his fine first season his charge with United finishing third in the table and a Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet.

It was always going to be challenging for managers to follow Sir Alex Ferguson and some have fared better than others.

With points per game, Ten Hag stacks up well against the six appointments since Ferguson's retirement (excluding short-term caretaker managers Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick).

His record of 1.92 points per game is second only to Jose Mourinho who averaged nearly two points per game.

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick and the first man to follow Ferguson's footsteps David Moyes, had the most difficult reigns with 1.45 and 1.73 respectively.

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your views on Manchester United's decision to keep Erik ten Hag in the dugout next season.

Here are some of your answers:

Gezz: I think that it's a great outcome for the club. We need stability and structure as the foundations to success. Even with all the external and internal chaos he has still managed to win back-to-back trophies. I believe that, with less injuries, he could be the catalyst for a very successful period at the club.

Paul: Unfortunately, I think it’ll still only be a matter of time before Ten Hag is sacked. I believe he is staying more because of the club's finances and lack of an obvious replacement, rather than Ineos wanting him to remain. Once there are some more uninspired performances, the trigger will eventually be pulled. Hope I’m wrong.

Ben: Thankfully, they have come to their senses - Ten Hag has done as well as possible with a frankly terrible lot. Bad players, bad infrastructure, bad club - some great people have suffered because of it, with a few great players and some great staff too. He’s one of the only bright lights at the club.

Gerard: He is not the right person for me - the cup final was the only game all season that United had any noticeable tactics. You can't keep him because of the result of one game. Most of the season, United appeared totally clueless

Jack: In my view, correct decision. This season was a nightmare with drama and injuries. Trying to get stability was never going to be an easy thing. Sir Alex showed us giving a manager time is a must.

Tim: Bad decision. The FA Cup win was a flash in the pan. United will continue to underperform under Ten Hag. They will become a mediocre mid-table club, while Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Newcastle stride ahead. No Champions League at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future I fear - and I'm a United fan through and through.

In their first few weeks of co-ownership, Ineos came to the conclusion a proper assessment of Erik ten Hag’s work was impossible because the club did not have the right structures in place that would allow any manager to succeed.

At that point, it seemed certain Ten Hag would remain. But United’s calamitous form in April, which almost included throwing away a three-goal lead in the FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Coventry, nearly made it impossible for the Dutchman to continue.

Had what would have been a last-gasp winner for Coventry not been ruled out by a marginal video assistant referee decision, it is hard to imagine Ten Hag would still be in a job right now.

As it was, United went through on penalties, then beat Manchester City with by far their best performance of the season, securing European qualification on the way.

Ten Hag has become one of only four United managers to win trophies in successive seasons, a point not lost on the club’s hierarchy.

The club have admiration for the dedication, dignity and professionalism with which Ten Hag has conducted himself through a trying season.

They also recognise the pivotal role he has played in the development of youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who will be on international duty at the Copa America and Euro 2024 for Argentina and England respectively this summer.

Evidently, he has also had to contend with a massive injury list and ease new signings Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund into the fold.

It is felt Ten Hag should prosper in a different sporting structure, that will eventually see Dan Ashworth installed as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as football director and Omar Berrada as chief executive.

Image source, Reuters

Almost three weeks since victory in the FA Cup final, Manchester United have confirmed they are sticking with their boss Erik ten Hag.

On that sunny May Saturday, you overwhelmingly thought he should be kept on at Old Trafford.

Are you still feeling the same way?

Make your selection over here

Manchester United are preparing to rival Arsenal in their pursuit of Bologna's 23-year-old Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who has a £34m release clause. (Metro), external

The Red Devils have drawn up a shortlist of attacking options with Brentford's England striker Ivan Toney, 28, and Lille and Canada forward Jonathan David, 24, highly regarded. (ESPN), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

So, Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United manager following the club hierarchy's post-season review.

What do you make of the news? Is it the right decision to stick with the Dutchman or should United have looked elsewhere?

Have your say here, external

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Luke Shaw has taken part in England's first training session in Germany, as all 26 members of Gareth Southgate's squad continue to gear up for their first Euro 2024 group stage fixture.

The 28-year-old has not played for Manchester United or the Three Lions since picking up a hamstring injury against Luton Town back in February.

Shaw, the only specialist left-back in the England squad, has been an injury doubt throughout the build-up to the European Championship.

However, he was seen doing side-steps over some hurdles and moving well in Tuesday afternoon's session at Jena Stadium.

BBC football news reporter Alex Howell, who was at training session, said: "He didn't seem to be getting pressured too much by the other players. Maybe they had been instructed that there is no contact on Shaw."

It remains to be seen whether he will be fit to face Serbia on Sunday.

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It is more than two weeks since Erik ten Hag's Manchester United beat Manchester City in an FA Cup final billed as potentially his last game.

United chiefs launched a review into the club's season following that surprise win over rivals City, yet there is still no decision about the Dutchman's future.

The build-up to the game was dominated by talk of manager Ten Hag's chances of keeping his job.

Some went so far as to state that Ten Hag would be sacked no matter what the outcome at Wembley, saying the Dutchman would pay the price for a terrible season in which United finished eighth - their worst performance since the 1989-90 campaign when Sir Alex Ferguson came close to losing his job.

Ten Hag stood his ground and, in an interview in the Netherlands, said he had been told new co-owners Ineos wanted to rebuild the club "with me".

It turned out that assessment was a bit of a stretch.

Ten Hag was reflecting his impression of a number of previous conversations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox - the Ineos team initially responsible for running the football side at Old Trafford following the change of ownership.

In reality, United were committed to a full review at the end of the season, with the manager's future seen as part of that.

Read more on Ten Hag's future here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Former Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold has joined Norton Motorcycles.

Arnold stood down from his position at United in November 2023 as the club's lengthy ownership saga was reaching its conclusion.

The 53-year-old has kept a low profile since but, as a passionate motorcyclist, believes he can be a positive addition to the Norton leadership team, particularly around its commercial operations.

"I am looking forward to using my experience to assist Norton in maximising the opportunities ahead," he said.

Arnold was initially replaced on an interim basis at United by Patrick Stewart, although he is also leaving the club before Omer Berrada's arrival as chief executive next month.