Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, makes a gesture during the Premier League game against Brighton at the Amex Stadium in Brighton and Hove, England, May 19, 2024. /CFP
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, told reporters on Thursday that he has discussed his future with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club's minority owner, and does not need assurances about his position. Ten Hag has been managing United since April 2022. The club finished third in the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign but fell to 8th this season, marking their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. United is set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
"It (assurance for his position) is not necessary, we will go for next season," Ten Hag said at the press conference. "We will be in a very different place if we win on Saturday because we will be in Europe and we will have another trophy."
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, looks on during team practice at Carrington Training Ground in Manchester, England, May 22, 2024. /CFP
"But still, three finals in two seasons is very good, I would say, because this club when I entered it was not in a good state, absolutely not. I think we improved a lot and even when you consider all the injuries we've had, it's a horrible season for us. Absolutely that has to change," Ten Hag added. He still has one year left of his current contract with United.
According to ESPN, United will not make any decisions about Ten Hag's future until after reviewing the 2023-24 season post-FA Cup final. However, they have compiled a list of potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank.
"Tactically he's very good, and he showed it last season," United's goalkeeper Andre Onana said of Ten Hag. "I was not here last season and they got top four. This season a lot of things happened. I'm not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself, but he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and tactically he's good."