Paul Scholes has voiced his support for Manchester United’s decision to stick by Erik ten Hag, but issued a call for club chiefs to back the Dutchman with ‘major improvements’.
Ten Hag had been under a cloud of uncertainty while the club conducted a review into whether or not to make a change in the dugout after a well below-par campaign for United.
Winning the FA Cup, however, propelled 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 term.
There had been huge pressure on the Dutchman’s place, however the news broke on Tuesday evening that Ten Hag would remain in his place, bringing an end to the speculation.
As such, Scholes was quick to take to social media to offer his backing for Ten Hag, although he did claim that the fans ‘deserve better next season’.
‘Nice to wake up to this news although I did think Palace away felt like the end…’ he wrote on social media.
‘Major improvements needed but at least we have a bit of continuity and don’t have to wait for a new regime to settle in.
‘Fans have given him and the players incredible support and deserve better next season.’
Mail Sport’s Mike Keegan reported on Tuesday night that sources disclosed that Ten Hag’s case was strengthened by the club’s shock FA Cup Final victory over rivals City.
The club’s new INEOS part-owners had sounded out a number of managerial options to replace Ten Hag, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank.
Tuchel had met with Ratcliffe last week for discussions over a potential change in command, however the German is believed 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 two pieces of silverware in his first two seasons, and reached the FA Cup final in consecutive campaigns.
He has also not 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.
Similarly, new CEO Omar Berrada is due to arrive on July 13, with numerous changes behind the scenes having already taken place, meaning Ten Hag will get the chance to work with what will essentially be an all new backrooms staff.
Amid a punishing lack of availability at times, Ten Hag has been lauded for his development of young players, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho two standouts of the 2023-24 campaign.
Discussions with Ten Hag are thought to have been positive with both club and manager aligned. Talks on a contract extension have opened.
