FA Cup

FA Cup decision 'a key factor' in Erik ten Hag keeping Manchester United job

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 14 June 2024

FA Cup decision 'a key factor' in Ten Hag keeping Man Utd job

Erik ten Hag's decision to accept advice from Jason Wilcox allegedly played a key role in the Dutchman keeping his job at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag's decision to accept tactical advice from Jason Wilcox allegedly played a key role in the Dutchman keeping his job as Manchester United manager this summer.

There has been huge speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future in recent months, with the club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe giving serious consideration to sacking the Dutchman this summer.

However, it is understood that, following the conclusion of an end-of-season review, Ten Hag will keep his job at Old Trafford, with a new deal now being discussed.

According to The Guardian, a key factor in the Dutchman being retained was his willingness to accept a tactical suggestion from the club's recently-appointed technical director Wilcox.

The report claims that Wilcox had suggested that Bruno Fernandes was used as a false nine in the final against Manchester City, and the Portugal international played an important role in his team's 2-1 success.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shakes hands with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after winning the FA Cup on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

Ten Hag 'accepted tactical advice from Wilcox'

Ten Hag allegedly made the final call, but his willingness to accept advice impressed Ratcliffe, who is putting together a new football department at Old Trafford.

Fernandes set up Kobbie Mainoo for Man United's second goal of the match against Man City, and the introduction of Rasmus Hojlund in the second period allowed the 20-time English champions to get up the field during a period when they were coming under pressure.

Ten Hag is believed to have given serious consideration to bringing Hojlund back into the side for the game at Wembley, but it was ultimately concluded that he would he more impactful from the bench.

Wilcox is expected to play a major role in Man United's summer transfer business, and the manager forming a strong relationship with the former Man City academy director is seen as vital by Ratcliffe.

Jason Wilcox in charge of Manchester City Under-18s in March 2015 © Reuters

Ten Hag 'will work with Wilcox on summer transfers'

Ten Hag has been heavily involved in Man United's transfer business since his arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2022, but he will now have to accept a reduced role.

The 20-time English champions could allegedly have as much as £140m to spend on new signings this summer, with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Benfica's Joao Neves seen as major targets.

However, the Toffees are said to want a world-record fee for Branthwaite, while there is a €120m (£101m) release clause in Neves's contract at Benfica.

Man United will begin their pre-season against Rosenborg on July 15 and will then take on Rangers ahead of their trip to the United States.

The club's tour will see them face Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool before heading back to England to tackle Man City in the Community Shield on August 9.