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.
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