Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has extended his contract until 2026, the club said.
The Dutch United’s managerial future was in doubt at the end of the season after the team finished eighth, the club’s lowest placing in the Premier League era.
But he also guided United into the FA Cup thanks to a thrilling 2-1 victory over their fiercest rivals, City of Manchester – the Premier League champions – at the final.
Man Utd make decision on Ten Hag
Ten Hag, 54, said: “I am delighted to have reached an agreement with the club to continue working together.
“Looking back on the last two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.
“However, we must also make it clear that there is still a lot of work to do to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for the English and European titles.
“In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision to achieve these goals and we are all strongly committed to taking this journey together.”
He signed a three-year contract with United in 2022 – due to expire next summer – replacing the club’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick following the dismissal of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate were all linked with the United takeover, Sky Sports said.
But the club opted to keep Ten Hag, who recently revealed on Dutch TV that he discovered the news while on holiday with his family.
Ten Hag’s original contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 season, with United having the option to extend it for a further 12 months.
Ten Hag meets new Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe in January. Photo: Manchester United/Getty
United sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “With two trophies in the last two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most successful managers in European football.
“While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also came to a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner to work with to improve standards and results.
“This group of players and staff has already shown that they are capable of competing and winning at the highest level; now we need to do this more consistently.
Manchester United manager Ten Hag after the FA Cup final. Photo: PA
The FA Cup triumph in May was Ten Hag’s second trophy in as many years after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023.
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The Dutchman had to face a team ravaged by injuries throughout the season, but managed to salvage Europa League qualification with victory over City at Wembley.
A post-season analysis concluded that Ten Hag deserves the chance to show what else he is capable of within the new sporting structure implemented after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS took charge of football operations.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
