Following reports that Erik ten Hag will be staying on as Manchester United's head coach, KickOff's Lukhanyo Mtuta takes a look at the winners and losers of the club's decision to keep the polarising Dutch boss.
The Athletic journalist David Ornstein reported earlier this week that United have decided to retain the services of Ten Hag following a drawn-out end-of-season review by the club's hierarchy. Moreover, it is understood that the Red Devils will also enter talks to extend his contract, as his existing deal expires in June 2025.
According to ESPN, there will be discussions about Ten Hag's influence over recruitment and the structure of his coaching staff, with a new ensemble of individuals set to take over those responsibilities. It is said that under the new structure, the United manager will be allowed a voice on transfers but recruitment will primarily be handled by incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, chief scout Steve Brown, and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves.
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The decision to keep him, however, splits opinion given that the club flirted with the idea of hiring another manager after they are said to have engaged with German coach Thomas Tuchel last week, while names like Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, and Roberto De Zerbi were also mooted.
Regardless, Ten Hag stays, and we look at the winners and losers of the situation:
WINNERS:
The youngsters
Apart from their FA Cup success, the emergence of talented youngsters was arguably the best part of the club's 2023/24 campaign. The now 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo shot into the spotlight last term, with the midfielder even earning a spot in the England squad for the 2024 UEFA European Championship. In what was his second full season in the first-team, Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho was also a standout performer, as the 19-year-old had his best season in the United shirt to date - registering 10 goals and five assists in all competitions. Rasmus Hojlund, 21, was a relative success too, as he contributed 16 goals and two assists in his debut season at Old Trafford. With the aforementioned trio having played a combined 128 matches last season, Ten Hag's stay promises to see them develop even further.
Antony
Despite the widespread criticism of the Brazilian from fans and pundits alike, Ten Hag stayed loyal to Antony as he granted the players 38 appearances in 2023/24, with his only notable absence being when he was facing accusations of domestic abuse. The 24-year-old was the Dutchman's marquee signing in 2022/23 and also became the second most-expensive player in the club's history behind Paul Pogba. Ten Hag's continued trust in him may be a tell-tale sign that he could yet again feature prominently under his former Ajax Amsterdam boss next season.
An honourable mention goes to Andre Onana, who arguably proved his doubters wrong as the season progressed with some inspiring performances. Additionally, Jonny Evans found some joy under Ten Hag, to the extent that there are now reports that he could sign a contract extension soon.
LOSERS
Jadon Sancho
Perhaps the only loser in this situation, Sancho faces a potentially awkward reunion with Ten Hag, as his loan Borussia Dortmund draws to a conclusion. The Englishman infamously fell out with the United boss in August 2023, resulting in spending four months training in isolation from the first-team. His loan at BVB was successful given that he helped the side reach their first UEFA Champions League final since 2013, but it's still unclear if he will settle his differences with Ten Hag ahead of 2024/25. Dortmund reportedly want to sign Sancho but cannot afford him, thus leaving them with the option of an extended loan. A new report by The Times claims that Ten Hag would simply prefer Sancho to be sold.
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