Last night, news broke that Erik ten Hag will continue as Man Utd manager for the upcoming season.
Rumours about the Dutchman's future have been circulating for a while, but his success in the FA Cup final in May, combined with there being no obvious replacement, has led to INEOS giving him a vote of confidence.
The Man Utd board undertook an end-of-season review following their FA Cup final triumph and although there were reports that they had met with Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank, Ten Hag will start next season as manager and could also be handed a new contract at Old Trafford.
The terms of that new contract would reportedly mean a reduction in his responsibilities and a ‘demotion' from manager to head coach. This would mean Ten Hag relinquishing power in the transfer market after a sketchy record on player incomings over the past two seasons.
The news of Ten Hag staying as Man Utd manager has been met with a mixed response from the club's supporters. Here are what fans on both sides of the fence have been saying online.
Erik ten Hag to stay as Man Utd manager: Some fans believe he deserves to say
Given the Man Utd fanbase is so large and diverse, it was only natural that the news would be met with differing opinions.
One fan took to social media to say: “United unquestionably have to improve next season and INEOS can’t be blamed for assessing alternative options. But Erik ten Hag deserves the third year of his contract. He’s had a good season and a bad one. But major trophies were won in both.”
Another added: “INEOS finally come to the correct decision to keep Ten Hag! If you win two trophies in two seasons, you deserve more time. Keep the trophies coming Erik!
A third posted: “Ten Hag deserves an opportunity to work under a proper structure. He needs to leave the transfers to people who are more experienced in the field and strictly focus on coaching the team.”
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag to stay as Manchester United manager. #MUFC end-of-season review culminated with decision to keep 54yo in position. After talks today Dutchman will remain at Old Trafford + hold negotiations over contract extension @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/tAzM2Ld378
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 11, 2024
Erik ten Hag to stay as Man Utd manager: Some fans are perplexed at the decision
A lot of Man Utd fans weren't so positive about the decision. One posted on X: “I'd love to know what INEOS reviewed to come to the decision Ten Hag deserves to stay. If they reviewed what I reviewed then this decision is comical.”
Another unhappy fan said: “Crazy decision honestly. The only benefit of the doubt in his favour are the defensive injuries. Looked rock solid at the back with Lisandro and Varane. Everything else with Ten Hag is a big red flag.”
A third added: “Erik ten Hag has been rewarded for finishing 8th, breaking the record for losses, negative goal difference and playing some of the worst football ever seen at this club. Embarrassing.”