Erik ten Hag says he is taking the “next step” during pre-season after clearing up his future at Manchester United.
The BBC said earlier this week that United would speak with the Dutchman about extending his contract at Old Trafford, which is approaching its last season.
After a disappointing second season in charge, he turned things around by leading United to an unexpected 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over rival Manchester City.
However, speculation about Ten Hag’s future predominated the build-up to the Wembley game as it was reported that Jim Ratcliffe, United’s new co-owner, would fire him regardless of the outcome.
United’s lowest Premier League finish since 1990 came in eighth place, and the team was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.
However, it seems like the 54-year-old is getting ready to take command of the team for its preseason friendlies, which begin on July 15 in Norway against Rosenborg.
“Pre-season is about preparing for the season and we have to make that our next step,” he told United’s website.
“It is one of the only times when you have the team together and you can work in training on structures, the way of play but also on certain standards around the team and that’s very important to take this period and use it effectively.”
United are unlikely to have a full-strength squad available given several of their players will be involved at Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
“(The squad will be) as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved,” Ten Hag said
“There will be a mix, with experienced players together with some young players.”
Before going to the United States to play Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool, United also had a match against Rangers at Murrayfield.
As rumours over Ten Hag’s future grew last week, Ratcliffe was said to have spoken with German Thomas Tuchel; however, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager supposedly ruled himself out of the race.
Mauricio Pochettino is no longer a Chelsea player, but it is known that United’s interest in him has diminished.
Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and current England manager Gareth Southgate are among the other managers who have been connected to United.
After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Alex Ferguson’s trophy-filled reign ended in 2013, Ten Hag has been United’s permanent manager five times.
Photo by EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
