Manchester United director Dan Ashworth addresses Ten Hag's contract extension after season that 'fell below required standards'
Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has talked up Erik ten Hag as 'one of Europe's top coaches' when touching on the Dutch coach's contract extension. The English football director has got to work at Old Trafford as part of the club's new leadership team.
Ashworth penned a lengthy message to Red Devils fans about the club's long-term vision under INEOS' co-ownership. He addressed the end-of-season review that led to Ten Hag extending his stay in an interview with the club's media:
"Our first big decision of the summer was to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract as men’s first-team manager to June 2026, reflecting our strong belief in him as one of Europe’s top coaches, and the partner we want to continue working with to get the team back to the levels expected."
Ten Hag's future was the hot topic of discussion at Manchester United heading into the latter stages of last season. He was heavily expected to depart regardless of the Red Devils' result in their FA Cup final against Manchester City (May 25).
However, United pulled off an unlikely 2-1 win at Wembley with INEOS chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford watching on. The Dutch coach delivered a second trophy in as many years since arriving at the club in June 2022.
This came after a disastrous Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaign. Ten Hag's men endured the worst league finish in the club's history, eighth with 14 defeats in 38 games. They were knocked out of Europe after finishing bottom of their group.
Ashworth touched on Manchester United's troubles last season and how they didn't meet expectations. He highlighted the FA Cup triumph:
"We are all clear that last season fell below the required standards in the Premier League and Champions League but, by winning the FA Cup in such impressive fashion, our players and staff showed what they are capable of when everyone pulls together and performs to their potential."
Ten Hag has already been backed by INEOS this summer, with Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee and French teenage defender Leny Yoro arriving. Ashworth is working with new CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox in United's new leadership team.
"I can only be glad" - Ten Hag hinted at his relief with INEOS' arrival at Manchester United
Ten Hag spoke about the changes since INEOS' arrival at Manchester United and suggested he's pleased to have a new recruitment team in place. He told Dutch outlet AD Sportwereld:
"It is precisely with this club that you have to have a very strong structure in the field of scouting- and transfer policy. I can only be glad that I now have Dan Ashworth (sports director), Jason Wilcox (technical director), and Christopher Vivell (scouting and transfers) by my side."
Ten Hag worked under uncertain ownership circumstances throughout last season. Ratcliffe's INEOS beat Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim in the race to win ownership or secure co-ownership.
The Glazers' 'exploration of strategic alternatives to enhance the club's growth' took over a year. This undoubtedly caused issues behind the scenes at Old Trafford, leaving employees in the dark.
INEOS has already begun working to reestablish Manchester United as one of Europe's powerhouses. They have a new recruitment team in place and have changed Ten Hag's backroom staff (Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake have arrived).