Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United manager but his role will be redefined, giving him less influence over player recruitment. The decision follows an end-of-season review by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football operations team, who abandoned their search for a replacement and opted to stick with the Dutchman.
United will enter discussions with Ten Hag over a new contract, with his current deal having one year left plus an option for a further year. However, any new agreement will see Ten Hag's position changed from manager to head coach, significantly reducing his input on player incomings and outgoings. The new regime has moved to a structure where they will oversee recruitment, leaving the head coach to focus on the team.
The review included a forensic examination of Ten Hag's £400 million transfer spend over two years. Apart from Lisandro Martinez, his signings have failed to fully convince. Ten Hag pushed for the £85 million signing of Antony from Ajax, who has not justified the fee, while Mason Mount, signed for £60 million, spent most of his debut season injured. Goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Rasmus Hojlund improved after poor starts, but Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are expected to leave this summer.
Another major factor in the review was the unprecedented number of injuries that contributed to United's eighth-place finish, their worst in Premier League history. An overhaul of the medical department is underway after an investigation into muscle issues and training intensity.
Ten Hag must rebuild trust with Ratcliffe and his team, who showed a lack of respect by assessing other candidates while keeping him in limbo for two-and-a-half weeks. He will need to build a rapport with new CEO Omar Berrada and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Despite keeping his job, Ten Hag remains on trial and must start next season strongly to escape the uncertainty that continues to surround him.
