A key decision made by Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup final win over rivals Man City was reportedly an important factor in the Dutchman keeping his job.
Man United have thrown their support behind Ten Hag having abandoned their search for a new manager.
A new contract is being discussed following the completion of an end of season review, despite Man United having sounding out potential candidates after an underwhelming season at Old Trafford which saw Ten Hag’s side finish eighth.
The Red Devils’ shock 2-1 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final is understood to have strengthened Ten Hag’s position at the club.
According to The Guardian, Ten Hag’s willingness to take on a tactical suggestion made by technical director Jason Wilcox is believed to have impressed the club’s hierarchy.
Man United’s FA Cup final win over Man City was reportedly key to Erik ten Hag keeping his job
Ten Hag’s decision to play Bruno Fernandes, left, in a false 9 role was viewed as a key decision
Wilcox had reportedly suggested deploying Bruno Fernandes in a false 9 position against Man City in the final, as Man United looked to counter Man City’s possession based style.
Ten Hag ultimately went with the suggestion of Wilcox to stick with using Fernandes in the role.
Fernandes had played in the role in Man United’s final two matches of the Premier League season, as Man United earned wins over Newcastle and Brighton.
Ten Hag elected to keep Fernandes in the role, rather than recall Rasmus Hojlund in a more conventional No 9, with the Man United boss rewarded when the Portuguese star set up Kobbie Mainoo for their crucial second goal.
The Dutchman’s willingness to listen to the suggestion and his tactical flexibility reportedly impressed Man United’s hierarchy.
Man United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos director of sport Dave Brailsford and Wilcox are claimed to have viewed Ten Hag’s openness to the suggestion has highlighting that he could work within the club’s new structure.
Mail Sport understands that United officials want to see how Ten Hag operates under what they believe will be a new structure aimed at ensuring he is given the best opportunity to succeed.
Wilcox, the former director of football at Southampton and Man City academy director, has been in place in April.
He has been tasked with implementing an overall style of play at Man United.
Fernandes set up Kobbie Mainoo’s goal as Man United earned a shock 2-1 victory at Wembley
Ten Hag is expected to sign a new contract with the club convinced he is the right man for the job
Omar Berrada is due to arrive from Manchester City as chief executive on July 13, while talks are ongoing to bring Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford from Newcastle as sporting director.
Considerations for United’s uneven campaign, such as an ever-growing injury list and teething problems with a number of new signings, are also thought to have contributed to INEOS’ decision to keep Ten Hag in charge.
Potential replacements, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank were sounded out by United officials, with Ratcliffe and INEOS leading the process.
However, Tuchel distanced himself from the role after meeting Ratcliffe in Monaco for talks last week.
