New football hierarchy raises the bar at Manchester United, says coach Erik ten Hag

LONDON – Manchester United have raised the bar with changes to the football hierarchy and are in a strong position to move forward, manager Erik ten Hag said, less than a week after signing a contract extension.

Ten Hag led United to a thrilling FA Cup final victory over holders Manchester City to help silence speculation around his job and somewhat salvage a disappointing season that saw them finish a worst-ever eighth in the English Premier League.

The 54-year-old Dutchman signed a new deal on July 4 to extend his stay at the club until 2026, giving him another chance to restore the record 20-time English champions to former glories. He said he is excited for the upcoming season.

“Very. Otherwise, I wouldn’t extend my contract,” ten Hag said, in an interview on July 9 for the team’s website.

“I’m here now for two years. As I said, I came here to win, to win titles, trophies. We won two trophies (FA Cup and 2022-23 League Cup), after a dry (spell) of six years, so we are in a good direction.

“Now, with the new ownership coming in, they can help us. They are very supportive. We’ve made a process, which we’ve constructed across the summer and we are in a very good position, a very strong position to go and attack.”

After British billionaire and Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe took charge of football operations, he hired Dan Ashworth as sporting director. The new football hierarchy also includes Jason Wilcox, who has been the club’s technical director since April.

“We are so pleased that around the football, around the first team, we have a strong structure that will help us,” ten Hag said.

“They are really supportive and that will help us in many ways, like in scouting and recruitment, like in the departments of medical and performance. They will be so supportive and that will raise the bar.”

Injuries delivered a huge blow to United’s 2023-24 season, particularly on the backline, with veteran defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both sidelined for much of the campaign.

A spokesperson confirmed on July 9 that they are exploring various options, amid reports they are keen on a major overhaul of the defence.

Ten Hag hopes they can carry the momentum from their FA Cup win into the upcoming campaign.

“(The FA Cup final) was a brilliant day, it was one of the best days, for many persons,” he said as the team gathered at Carrington training centre on July 9.

“I know we made many fans very happy, and it proves how we can compete with the best. We can beat them and so that has to give us confidence for the future.”

Ten Hag is paying close attention to the European Championship where United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Shaw are part of the England squad who will face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on July 10.

“Of course (I’ve spoken to them),” ten Hag said. “Everyone is really excited. Football is so important in culture in England, as it is in Holland. It will be a great match – let the best win.”

United kick off their pre-season on July 15 against Norwegian team Rosenborg in Trondheim. REUTERS