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.
Interim boss Stephen Frail expects Motherwell to appoint a new manager next week and admits their first job will be to lift the players’ confidence after a 3-0 mauling at home to Ross County.A double from Ronan Hale and Connor Randall’s last-minute strike secured an impressive victory for the Staggies at Fir Park.Defeat sees the Steelmen drop into the bottom half of the Premiership tab...
Mark Hughes heaped praise on goalkeeper Gabe Breeze after Carlisle picked up a vital point in the League Two relegation battle with a goalless draw against in-form Colchester at Brunton Park.Breeze made two excellent saves from Lyle Taylor as the Cumbrians ended a four-game losing run and the former Man City boss was astounded by the 21-year-old’s performance.He said: “The game had som...
Chesterfield boss Paul Cook launched a scathing attack on his play-off hopefuls after they surrendered an early lead to lose 3-1 at Sky Bet League Two table-toppers Walsall.The Spireites enjoyed a rapid start when Jamie Grimes’ eighth-minute header put them ahead against a wobbling Walsall side, who were winless in five matches with the chasing pack closing in.However, Bim Pepple and Dylan D...
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has allayed fears of an injury scare to top scorer Erling Haaland ahead of next week’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid.Haaland went down clutching his leg in the latter stages of the champions’ 4-0 Premier League thrashing of Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and was immediately substituted.Losing the Norwegian would be a major blow to ...
Rotherham manager Steve Evans described Thomas Parsons’ performance as “atrocious” after the referee awarded a stoppage-time penalty from which Reading snatched a 2-1 victory in League One.Reading had led 1-0 at half-time through top scorer Harvey Knibbs but Sam Nombe levelled for Rotherham from a spot-kick in the 57th minute.With the game heading for a draw, Parsons adjudged Mil...
Michael Flynn believes his team can make a charge towards the League Two play-offs places after watching them come from 2-0 down to beat Barrow 3-2 at home.Matty Taylor scored twice before fellow substitute Ashley Hay hit the winner as the Robins continued their perfect home record in 2025.Cheltenham climbed to 13th in the table and sit eight points off seventh-placed Crewe with two games in hand....
Birmingham manager Chris Davies praised Jay Stansfield’s work ethic after he lit up St Andrew’s with the only goal of a 1-0 win to sink play-off chasing Charlton.Stansfield’s 23rd-minute strike stretched City’s lead to nine points ahead of second-placed Wycombe, with Blues boasting a game in hand.Victory was City’s 30th in all competitions as they extended their unbea...
Andoni Iraola refused to get carried away after Bournemouth fans were left dreaming of a potential Champions League adventure following a first league double over south-coast rivals Southampton.Travelling Cherries fans chanted of playing in European football’s premier competition next season after their side soared to fifth spot in the Premier League table thanks to a deserved 3-1 success at...
Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup praised his side for fighting back to draw 1-1 at Hull after he demanded “I want to see my football team back”.The Norwich boss had some tough words for his team as they trailed 1-0 at half-time to the relegation-threatened side, including for Kellen Fisher – but the player then delivered the assist for Josh Sargent’s equaliser.The Un...
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Jota has a chance of starting against Bayern Munich after scoring and impressing in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United.Jota earned the club’s man-of-the-match award after cutting in from the left and curling home from 18 yards to double the lead given to the hosts by another impressive finish from Callum McGregor.The Portuguese winger has now started two gam...
