SIR JIM RATCLIFFE performed a dramatic U-turn by sticking with Erik ten Hag - and then opened talks on a new deal with the Manchester United boss.
The Dutchman was last night given the thumbs up to stay on at Old Trafford next season following a two-week end-of-season review.
Erik ten Hag is set to remain as manager of Manchester United Credit: Getty
New United part-owner Ratcliffe met Thomas Tuchel last weekend but could not agree terms with the ex-Bayern Munich manager.
And now United have confirmed Ten Hag, who had 12 months left on his contract, will remain in his job.
Ten Hag, 54, looked doomed after his side ended the season in eighth spot - the club’s worst Prem finish – and missed out on Champions League football.
But the ex-Ajax chief led United to FA Cup glory by beating Prem champions and neighbours Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.
Despite picking up a second trophy in two years, Ten Hag, who stated he would “win trophies elsewhere” if he was relieved of his post, was kept waiting to learn his fate.
United considered all options including German Tuchel, who now plans to take a managerial break, England boss Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank.
However, Ratcliffe’s Ineos finally concluded Ten Hag was the right man for the job after looking at the whole campaign and the first team operation.
Ten Hag, who was pictured yesterday with his wife on holiday in Ibiza, also held constructive talks with the United hierarchy on Tuesday.
Confirmation arrived late last night he is staying on and will soon meet again with the club’s top brass to discuss next season’s squad and how they move the team forward.
Ratcliffe has implemented changes behind the scenes in a new management structure already with chief exec Omar Berrarda due to start next month – along with director of football Dan Ashworth, expected to arrive from Newcastle.
Technical director Jason Wilcox is already in place and has been working with Ratcliffe, Sir David Brailsford and Jean Claude Blanc.
The news of Ten Hag’s reprieve will be welcomed by large sections of the United support, who stood by the manager during a testing league campaign which was ravaged by injuries.
United’s shock Wembley victory over Pep Guardiola’s men - and the quality of the performance - only reinforced their view that he should be given more time.
The triumph meant Ten Hag has won two major trophies in as many seasons as manager with the FA Cup adding to the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle in his first campaign.
It is believed Ten Hag’s excellent work in developing young players such as England midfield star Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho went down favourably and was aligned with the club’s tradition of creating a pathway for young stars to thrive at Old Trafford.
The hierarchy also appreciated the crippling injury record and noted key signings Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund - as well as the injury-struck Mason Mount - will be better following their debut seasons at the club.
Ten Hag is now free to prepare for the upcoming campaign, though, without concerns regarding his future.
He has won both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since his appointment in the summer of 2022.
Another busy summer awaits as United look to put last season's league woes behind them.
The Red Devils are understood to be targeting a new striker, with Ivan Toney reportedly on their shortlist.
Meanwhile, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has been tipped to fill the void of Raphael Varane's imminent exit.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo after a breakthrough in talks with Brentford, sources have told ESPN.United have made signing the Cameroon international their priority in recent weeks before they move onto other targets.Sources have told ESPN that the basics of an agreement for the 25-year-old are in place, with negotiations now focusing on add-ons and the structure of ...
Man Utd are reportedly on the brink of offloading Jadon Sancho with the help of a former manager.Jadon Sancho is reportedly nearing Fenerbahce.Jadon Sancho has reached an agreement on personal terms with Fenerbahce in a significant step towards a Manchester United exit, according to reports. The 25-year-old is claimed to be nearing a permanent departure, spelling the end of a failed £73millio...
Spurs agree shock £5m deal to sign Japan star Kota TakaiPer Alasdair Gold of Football.London, Spurs have agreed a £5m deal to sign Kota Takei from Kawasaki, with the defender set to play in Thomas Frank's first team next season. The 20-year-old was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and is seen as having the potential to grow in the first-team like Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar S...
Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...
Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...
Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...
Andre Onana is keen to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Monaco, sources have told ESPN.The French side asked for information from Onana's representatives about his potential availability this summer.Monaco also showed interest in former United goalkeeper David De Gea before he extended his contract with Fiorentina.Onana, however, is determined to stay at Old Trafford unless he is to...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Don't give up on the Premier League Dungeon Bro, Darwin Arsenal transfer market These are the same fans who say Auckland City didn't deserve to be in the Club World Cup.Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup: 4/4 through to the round of 16Argentinian teams at the Club World Cup: 0/2 through to the round of 16 lol This is what referees have to watch for 90 minutes....
Barcelona attacking midfielder Pablo Torre is closing in on a transfer to Mallorca after agreeing terms with the LaLiga club, a source has confirmed to ESPN.Mallorca and Torre's entourage held a meeting on Thursday, in which an agreement was reached with the player, who is attracted by Mallorca's project, a source said.The news was first reported by Marca.In the coming days, Mallorca will contact ...
Arsenal are in talks to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, sources have told ESPN.Mosquera, 20, has made 73 LaLiga appearances in the last two seasons and sources said Arsenal are well positioned to beat off competition to the defender, who is a Spain youth international but also eligible for Colombia.RB Leipzig are also interested and Valencia have tried to renew Mosquera's contract, b...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 7 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 8 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 9 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 10 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal