Man United director opens up on key Ten Hag decision ahead of new season | OneFootball

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has opened up on the club’s decision to keep manager Erik ten Hag despite a woeful 2023/24 campaign.

Fresh off a successful stint at Newcastle United, Ashworth arrived at United following a period on gardening leave.

The 53-year-old has begun his role as sporting director and will work with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who were recently appointed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ashworth’s first major decision was to retain Ten Hag.

Despite a woeful Premier League campaign that saw United finish a lowly eighth – their worst-ever ranking – Ashworth believes Ten Hag possesses the qualities needed to orchestrate a revival.

“Omar Berrada has started as chief executive, and Jason Wilcox as technical director, and I can assure you that we have lost no time in getting to work,” Ashworth said in an open letter to the fans.

“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.

“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.

“Our collective challenge is to reach those levels much more consistently.

“It’s my job, together with Jason, to create the right support structures and environment around Erik, the staff and players to make that possible.”

United’s lofty ambitions have been evident in their transfer dealings after completing the signings of exciting striker Joshua Zirkzee and French wonderkid Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils are still keen to bolster Ten Hag’s squad further with the additions of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte.