Manchester United have done the right thing with Erik ten Hag's contract

An agent who has dealt with Manchester United messaged earlier this week: "Everything must change for everything to remain the same."

Erik ten Hag's situation remains unchanged. He is on the same contract he signed to take over as United manager in April 2022.

Initially, United were unable to confirm whether they had triggered the one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract or just extended his contract. Eventually, a source clarified the one-year option had been exercised.

That is a crucial difference. Whatever Ten Hag's requests or demands under the new co-owner, they are not contractual.

When Ten Hag spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS last month, he said: "We had a good talk and various topics were discussed and the conclusion was that we will continue with each other but also the conclusion is that we are going to sit down to renew the contract."

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The interviewer replied: "Okay, so the air is cleared and you go because you have another year's contract and you're going to renew now?"

"Well of course, we absolutely have to come to some sort of agreement," Ten Hag replied. An agreement was technically unnecessary.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos cohorts were caught between a rock and a hard place. Offer Ten Hag a longer contract and they appear weak, having intended to sack him until the FA Cup final. Take up the one-year option and it is hardly a ringing endorsement.

But it is also sensible. Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were sacked in the same year they signed completely new contracts. United have moved on from Ed Woodward's gullible ways.

It still feels like an uneasy alliance and effectively extends Ten Hag's trial period. United will have their three "pillars" - Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox - in place to judge him next season.

Ashworth said: "With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.

"While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.

"This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently. With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club."

That struck a diplomatic but defiant tone. United have a nucleus to build a new squad around, Ten Hag's standout victories have come against the elite (Liverpool in August 2022, Barcelona in February 2023 and City in May 2024), the academy secured a triple-crown last term and Ten Hag is a great champion of United's youth identity.

United have implemented their new structure quickly and the aforementioned trio are duty bound to support the manager who has chiselled two years onto an honours board that was unchanged for nearly six years. United now have to be proactive with signings and sales.

Ten Hag will soon be supported by compatriots on the coaching staff in Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake. Ten Hag is a stickler for the familiar and/or the Dutch, though the seniority of the support raises questions.

The seasons become more pivotal at United and Ten Hag has 11 months to earn improved terms. Take United back into the Champions League, get his hands on more silverware and his hand will be strengthened.

Then things may change.