ERIK TEN HAG secured his future at Manchester United after impressing in three key areas.
The Dutchman’s future had been up in the air after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City last month.
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But a two-week end-of-season review led by Ineos chief’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford concluded Ten Hag, 54, was the best manager to guide the club forward.
Three areas of the former Ajax boss’ work is understood to have influenced the decision in his favour.
The first of these was the success brought to the club since his arrival in the form of two trophies in two seasons, something not achieved by the same manager at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson.
The quality of the performance in the final is said to have been particularly impressive.
Ten Hag’s dedication to the job was also noteworthy to decision makers, with the dignity and professionalism he carried himself with earning top marks.
The development of teenage FA Cup final goalscorers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo and giving the rest of the squad room to improve landed Ten Hag a favourable review too.
Ineos also weighed in the significant mitigating factors faced throughout the season, mainly relating to injuries concentrated in key positions and the bedding in time of new signings, when coming to their decision.
An outside lack of viable alternatives also likely played a hand, with Thomas Tuchel pulling out of the running after holding talks with Ratcliffe.
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Ten Hag’s current contract at Old Trafford runs until next June with the option for an additional year.
However, in lieu of the move to keep faith with Ten Hag, discussions over a new contract are also said to have been opened by the club.
Ten Hag has also accepted a reduced role in transfer policy to carry on at the club.
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