In a move that reeks of desperation, Manchester United has extended the contract of manager Erik ten Hag until 2026, despite his underwhelming performance in the Premier League last season. The Dutchman’s two-year tenure has yielded only modest success, with an EFL Cup and an FA Cup, but his inability to impress in the league has left fans and critics alike questioning his tactics and vision for the club.
The new-look board’s decision to stick with Ten Hag is a baffling show of faith, especially given the growing concerns over his style of play and the direction he is taking the team. The manager himself acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to restore United to their former glory, but his words ring hollow after a dismal eighth-place finish last season.
Ten Hag’s comments upon signing the new deal are a mixed bag of pride and caution. “I am very pleased to have reached an agreement with the club to continue working together,” he said. “Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.” However, he also conceded that “there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.”
The FA Cup final win against Manchester City may have papered over some of the cracks, but it is unlikely to be enough to silence the doubters. United’s poor performances last season, which included a series of lackluster displays, had many calling for Ten Hag’s head. The fact that he has been given a new deal despite this raises questions about the club’s ambition and willingness to settle for mediocrity.
The Red Devils will kick off their campaign against City in the Community Shield on August 10th, and it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag can turn things around and justify the board’s decision. For now, the extension of his contract feels like a risky gamble, one that may not pay off for a club that expects so much more.
