- Man United decided to stick with Ten Hag after approaching other candidates
- The Dutchman was given a one-year contract extension following their FA Cup win
- The Red Devils have transformed their football structure for the new season
Manchester United legend Roy Keane is convinced his former club’s improbable FA Cup triumph was the reason Erik ten Hag remained manager, but has warned the Dutchman that the team must improve.
The Dutchman was at risk of losing his job after a disappointing Premier League and European campaign, which saw the side finish eighth and be knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League.
But United surprised the football world when they won 2-1 against rivals Manchester City in the final game of the domestic season.
Keane, who made 475 appearances for the Old Trafford club during a glorious 12-year spell, believes Ten Hag’s triumph has given him some ‘breathing space’ in preparation for what promises to be a defining season for his old club under new management.
The cup match gave him [Erik ten Hag] some breathing space and rightly so, but he can’t finish eighth next year.’ Keane, speaking at Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bettingsaid.
Roy Keane is convinced Erik ten Hag’s FA Cup win has given him some ‘breathing space’ at his old club
The Dutchman was the driving force behind an improbable victory over Manchester City at Wembley last season
Sir Jim Ratcliffe considered the idea of replacing Ten Hag before deciding he was the best manager to take them further
‘She [Manchester United] “We have to compete in the top four next year, it’s going to be tough to win, but it’s about the fight. The records they’ve had in the league over the last 12 months are so bad.”
Under the leadership of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, United have begun to restructure the club’s football department in a bid to get the club back to its former glory.
The Red Devils have poached Omar Berrada from City to become their new CEO, while Jason Wilcox has been appointed as technical director and Dan Ashworth will finally join as sporting director after a lengthy and acrimonious departure from Newcastle.
Ten Hag also received an extra year on his contract with United, which was due to expire at the end of next season. Keane believes this is of great importance to prove that the club has confidence in the former Ajax coach.
“He only had one year left on his contract and they didn’t want any uncertainty going into the new season,” the ex-United captain added. “The clauses remain the same and that doesn’t mean they won’t send him away in October or November, it’s just a message of support.”
The 54-year-old will be given the chance to work under the club’s new football structure
After defeat to Arsenal in the first match of their American tour, United continue their clashes with Real Betis and Liverpool
The Premier League giants are currently on their pre-season tour in the United States, which began with a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. They will take on Real Betis in California on Sunday, before a high-profile clash against Liverpool on August 4.
Then there is the small matter of the Community Shield against City the following Saturday, before their competition kicks off with the visit of Fulham on August 16.
