Paul Scholes has expressed his support for Manchester United’s decision to stick with Erik ten Hag, but called on club chiefs to back the Dutchman with ‘major improvements’.
Ten Hag was under a cloud of uncertainty as the club examined whether or not to make a change to the dugout after a far below-par season for United.
However, winning the FA Cup took the club into the Europa League at the expense of Chelsea, and as such the club will at least be competing on the continental front next season.
There was enormous pressure on the Dutchman’s place, but on Tuesday evening the news came that Ten Hag would remain in his place, putting an end to the speculation.
Scholes was quick to offer his support for Ten Hag via social media, although he did claim that the fans ‘deserve better next season’.
Paul Scholes has expressed his support for the decision to keep Erik ten Hag in Man United’s hotseat
The Dutchman beat the odds and guided United to the FA Cup title against rivals Man City in May
“Nice to wake up to this news, although I thought Palace away felt like the end…” he wrote on social media.
‘Major improvements are needed, but at least we have some continuity and don’t have to wait for a new regime to be installed.
“The fans have given him and the players incredible support and deserve better next season.”
Mail Sport’s Mike Keegan reported on Tuesday evening that sources revealed Ten Hag’s case was strengthened by the club’s shock win over rivals City in the FA Cup final.
The club’s new co-owners INEOS had explored a number of management options to replace Ten Hag, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank.
Tuchel had met with Ratcliffe last week for discussions about a possible change of command, but the German is said to have distanced himself.
The review ultimately concluded with the decision that Ten Hag is the right man for the job.
It is worth noting that the Dutchman has brought home two pieces of silverware in his first two seasons, reaching the FA Cup final in successive campaigns.
Thomas Tuchel met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe this summer to discuss a move to Old Trafford
The club also probed fellow options Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Thomas Frank (right)
Ratcliffe (left) became co-owner of the club earlier this season and takes over management of Man United’s football operations
He also hasn’t had much of a chance to operate under a new system at the club, with INEOS and Ratcliffe taking over football operations since their arrival.
Likewise, new CEO Omar Berrada will arrive on July 13, with numerous changes having already taken place behind the scenes, meaning Ten Hag will have the opportunity to work with what will essentially be an entirely new backroom staff.
Amid a dire lack of availability, Ten Hag has been praised for his development of young players, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho two standouts in the 2023/24 season.
The discussions with Ten Hag are said to have been positive, with both the club and the manager on the same page. Discussions have been opened about a contract extension.