Erik ten Hag signs ‘big’ 2-year deal with Manchester United despite abysmal 2023-24 season

Erik ten Hag's stint at Manchester United has been full of ups and downs, generating criticism from fans and pundits worldwide.

Erik ten Hag signs ‘big’ 2-year deal with Manchester United despite abysmal 2023-24 season

Erik ten Hag signed a two-year extension as Manchester United manager. (via IMAGO)

In a surprising turn for football fans, Erik ten Hag has extended his Manchester United contract until June 2026. The club’s new owners have backed the Dutchman, despite a disappointing 2023-24 EPL season, where they finished eighth.

The 54-year-old joined Manchester United from Ajax, two seasons ago, helping the team win two trophies under his tenure. Despite criticism from many fans and pundits regarding his strategies and the team’s performance, Ten Hag has earned the confidence of new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Victories in the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup against Manchester City this year have ultimately resulted in Ten Hag receiving a contract extension.

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The former Ajax manager was rumored to leave after the FA Cup final, owing to the club’s worst-ever EPL season and a UCL group stage exit. But he has defied expectations to continue for another two years. Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag expressed his happiness at extending his contract, emphasizing the two trophies he won. He acknowledged the need for further improvement to compete for major titles and the importance of aligning with a future vision.

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I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression.
Erik ten Hag on his contract extension (via Sky Sports)

Erik ten Hag will be further supported by the arrival of a new football leadership team at Old Trafford. He will be joined by new technical director Jason Wilcox and sporting director Dan Ashworth, along with Omar Berrada and Sir Dave Brailsford.

Manchester United to step up their transfer activity in the coming weeks following Erik ten Hag’s contract extension

The Red Devils are expected to be busy during the upcoming summer transfer window, following Erik ten Hag‘s contract extension and the appointment of new director Dan Ashworth. They aim to make several improvements, with numerous transfers planned.

Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth
Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth are plotting a number of transfers for Manchester United. (via IMAGO)

At the outset, Manchester United will be aiming to finalize a deal for Bayern Munich’s center-back Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender is valued at around £42 million. Besides de Ligt, they are also interested in defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro. In midfield, United are targeting Benfica’s Joao Neves and Adrien Rabiot.

The Red Devils are well-equipped in their attack but are still seeking a new forward. Reports suggest that the club has initiated contact with Bologna starlet Joshua Zirkzee for the summer transfer window

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