Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, who joined Manchester United in 2022, has extended his contract with the Red Devils until 2026, the club announced on Thursday.
His future at the helm of the Manchester team was uncertain after a poor 8e place in the championship, but ten Hag had ended the season on a high note by winning the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City (2-1).
The former Ajax Amsterdam manager, whose contract was due to expire in 2025, is now tied to United until June 2026. British media had already reported in June that he would ultimately stay at the club.
A championship that has eluded them since 2013
Ten Hag, 54, admitted there was work to be done to close the gap on Manchester United’s Premier League or European rivals, although he felt his side had made “progress” since his arrival.
While Manchester United remains the most successful club in the English championship, with 20 titles, it has not won since 2013 and the departure of Alex Ferguson. In the meantime, rival Manchester City has won seven titles (out of 10 possible), including four in a row since 2021.
Two titles in two years
Arriving in 2022, ten Hag nevertheless put an end to six years of drought by winning the League Cup in 2023. A result which punctuated a good first season in the championship, finished in 3e place.
The fans were hoping to see their club aim for the title, but the Mancunians lost 14 matches and finished 31 points behind the “Cityzens”.
“If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else to win trophies, because that’s what I’ve done my whole career,” Erik ten Hag said at the end of May, after winning the FA Cup. Ultimately, the Haaksbergen native will not need to leave the north of England to continue his quest.
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