Erik ten Hag cut a relaxed figure as he was pictured for the first time since Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory against Manchester City enjoying dinner with his wife Bianca while on holiday in Ibiza.
The Manchester United manager’s future was decided on Tuesday evening, hours after the 54-year-old Dutch coach appeared to stretch back in his chair as he supped on a glass of wine.
He was also wearing a cap emblazoned with the logo ‘BOSS’ on the side. Perhaps a subtle hint that he was assured of staying at Old Trafford? Who knows.
United have endured a tumultuous season, slumping to eighth in the Premier League standings and crashing out of Europe, but Ten Hag still managed to guide his side to silverware this season, clinching the FA Cup.
Despite that, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United’s leadership team took their time when deciding whether to keep the manager on after the end of the campaign.
Erik ten Hag (right) cut a relaxed figure while on holiday with his wife, Bianca (left), in Ibiza
The Manchester United boss’ future was confirmed on Tuesday evening after thorough review
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS were set to make a decision over Ten Hag’s (right) future at the club this week
Red Devils’ bosses had been holding a review into the season and had also reportedly been scouring the managerial market for a potential replacement for their current coach.
Thomas Tuchel emerged as one of the favourites to succeed the manager and had reportedly held talks with Ratcliffe in Monaco last week.
However, the German fell out of consideration after he revealed he wanted to take a break from football, following a tough season with Bayern Munich.
According to The Telegraph, Ten Hag had been growing frustrated by how long United’s end-of-season review has taken.
United are set to return for pre-season training during the first two weeks of July, before heading off on tour to the USA where they will take on Arsenal on Saturday July 27 in Los Angeles in a pre-season friendly.
The outlet claimed that the Dutchman was anxious that the club is ‘in danger of falling behind in this summer’s transfer market’.
United had endured a torrid season, but the Dutchman guided the Red Devils to FA Cup glory, beating Man City in the final at Wembley in May
Reports claim that the 54-year-old had been growing frustrated over how long it has taken club executives to decide whether he will stay or go
United are set to travel to the USA next month to take on Arsenal in a game in Los Angeles
Ten Hag will be keen to strengthen in several areas, particularly defense, after he was bereft of so many injuries to key centre backs in the past year
Ratcliffe had been scoping out several potential managers who could take over from Ten Hag
England boss Gareth Southgate (centre) is one coach who was admired by INEOS, and admitted he could step away from England if they do not win Euro 2024
United need to strengthen in several areas this summer, including a new holding midfielder, another forward and a centre back.
Casemiro has failed to impress this season and securing a new defensive midfielder may be a priority for the club.
United have also been left hampered by a string of injuries to key defenders this season and may want to bolster their options at centre back, particularly now that Raphael Varane has left the club.
