For many, his survival was far from obvious just a few weeks ago. Indeed, Erik Ten Hag’s last months on the Manchester United bench looked more like a shipwreck of a project without head nor tail rather than the promise of a bright future. But then, a success finally got everything going again. And not just any victory. On May 25 at Wembley, the Red Devils faced their neighbors from City in the FA Cup final. And at the end of a match controlled by Kobbie Mainoo’s teammates, the latter won the trophy and their ticket for the next edition of the Europa League. A victory that inevitably reshuffled the cards for ETH.
Pointed out by many Manchester supporters, the Dutch technician was in the hot seat and the English press reported several suitors observed by the management of the Old Trafford residents to replace the 54-year-old coach. But there you have it, while Tuchel and Southgate were on the short-list of the Manchester board, the decision was finally made to confirm Erik Ten Hag in his status as coach at MU. A rather unique situation which amused the person concerned this Sunday on the Dutch television channel OURS : “Manchester United told me they spoke with Thomas Tuchel, yes. They said they ultimately came to the conclusion that they already had the best manager.»
Contract extension confirmed by Ten Hag
In addition to this statement full of coldness which will not fail to amuse social networks, the former coach of Ajax Amsterdam also gave more information on the about-face of his bosses. On vacation in Ibiza when he heard the news, he even had a visit from his managers to tell him the news: “this is not even allowed in the Netherlands. It is also forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a coach. The club management came to see me while I was on vacation in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up at my door and told me they wanted to continue with me.»
In addition to these rather funny behind the scenes, Erik ten Hag raised the possibility of a contract extension with the most successful club across the Channel. And according to the person concerned, there is no longer any doubt: he will extend his contract with Manchester United. “We had good discussions between us, different topics were discussedconcedes the Batavian. The conclusion is that we will continue together and they will extend my contract. We still have to reach an agreement on this.» As a reminder, Erik Ten Hag is under contract until 2025 with Manchester United and his lease has an option for an additional year.
