Erik ten Hag has revealed Man United reps flew to Ibiza where he was holidaying to tell him his job as manager was safe.
The Dutchman’s future had been the subject of speculation, with many reports suggesting his days as head coach were numbered.
A performance review of the season and broader first-team operations was promptly carried out by the club, led by Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.
Despite winning the FA Cup, Man United finished eighth in the Premier League, with names such as Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate touted as possible replacements.
But more than two weeks after their FA Cup triumph, the decision was made for Ten Hag to remain in post.
It’s understood Ten Hag winning two trophies in as many seasons as well as his work developing young players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were seen as real positives and enough reason to put their faith in him.
Ten Hag told Dutch channel NOS: “In the end they came to the conclusion that they already had the best coach.”
Ten Hag went into detail to explain how his future was decided. “The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” he explained.
“They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”
As well as keeping his job at Old Trafford, Ten Hag will hold talks over a new contract, with the 54-year-old, who joined the club from Ajax in 2022, adding: “We have had good discussions with each other, various topics have been discussed.
“The conclusion is that we will continue together and that they will extend my contract. We still have to reach an agreement on that.”
Discussing the nature of the decision, Ten Hag said: “[new owners] INEOS took their time.
“They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
“Here in the Netherlands this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.”