Two words show clear national media response to Man United Erik ten Hag INEOS decision

Erik ten Hag will continue as Manchester United manager despite facing intense scrutiny over his position at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was the subject of speculation going into the FA Cup final against Manchester City, with the likes of Kieran McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino linked with being his successor at the Theatre of Dreams. However, following a season review from INEOS, the club have decided that the former Ajax tactician is the best man to steer them into the new era.

Jason Wilcox assumed the position of technical director in April after United reached an agreement with Southampton, while new CEO Omar Berrarda is set to take up his new role next month upon the conclusion of his gardening leave. Dan Ashworth has been placed on leave by Newcastle United after United's interest in appointing him as the inaugural sporting director.

READ MORE: Captaincy, playing style and two key signings - Erik ten Hag in-tray after Man Utd boss avoids sack

READ MORE: Why Manchester United are keeping Erik ten Hag as manager as contract talks begin

For now, uncertainty over Ten Hag's position at Man United is over, with the focus now shifting to the summer transfer window, which opens on Friday (June 14). The Dutchman has a number of key decisions to make, with the club looking to make an attacking addition as well as a move for a defender, with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Edmond Tapsoba of interest.

Following the news that the 54-year-old will remain in situ, here is how the national media reacted.

'Erik ten Hag saved by FA Cup but humiliated by Ineos'

Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail wrote: "Winning the FA Cup famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s bacon, and now it seems to have come to Erik ten Hag’s rescue too. From a dead man walking at Wembley 18 days ago, Ten Hag finally has a vote of confidence and the promise of a contract extension...

"... There is no question this whole saga has humiliated Ten Hag and undermined his authority, even though it’s had a positive outcome for the 54-year-old. It’s likely he will have significantly less say in new transfers under the new order after spending £400million on players since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, amid concerns over the influence of his agent Kees Voss in a number of United’s transfer dealings.

"And there is still a lurking suspicion that, although Ratcliffe didn’t wield the axe this time, Ten Hag may not be in the clear just yet. New owners like to appoint their own men when they have paid £1.3billion for the privilege."

'After two-and-a-half weeks of waiting Sir Jim Ratcliffe backed Ten Hag'

The Mirror's David McDonnell said: "After two-and-a-half weeks of waiting, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have decided to back Ten Hag and keep faith with the Dutchman. United looked at alternatives to Ten Hag, with England boss Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Maruicio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi all considered as potential successors.

"Tuchel ruled himself out of the race and with Southgate unwilling to enter talks until after Euro 2024, United were unable to look upon him as a viable replacement for Ten Hag. That strengthened Ten Hag's position and after a thorough performance review of last season and constructive talks with the 54-year-old, United decided to give him the chance to prove himself next season.

"Ten Hag, who has one year left on his current contract, saved himself by steering United to a stunning FA Cup final win over local rivals Manchester City last month. With United having finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position for 34 years, Ten Hag looked to be heading for the sack after just two years in charge on his £9million-a-year contract."

'United can now focus'

Henry Winter, formerly of The Times, tweeted: "Good news about Erik ten Hag. I thought he would be eased out because new owners like new appointments, some of the football was so poor and eighth is not good enough for #MUFC, but I’m glad Ten Hag's staying.

"He’s had injured players, distracted players, and still won another trophy. He outwitted Guardiola in the Cup final, so is tactically smart. He’s desperate to do well, he’s not ego-driven, most players like him and a constant churn of managers doesn't help.

"Needs better recruitment and better performances/in-game management against teams outside elite. But United can now focus properly on the new season. Under Ten Hag."

'What happens next?'

ESPN's Rob Dawson wrote: "Following an extensive end-of-season review lasting more than two weeks, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford have reportedly concluded that Erik ten Hag is the right man to be Manchester United manager. For now.

"But there's no escaping the fact that the Dutchman has been made to wait more than three months for any real show of support... Club sources insisted it was the "clear conclusion" and hinted that a contract extension could be on the way.

"But that ignores the fact that United have had serious reservations about whether to continue with the former Ajax Amsterdam boss. Brailsford made his own doubts clear by sanctioning conversations with other candidates before the end of the season. Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were all sounded out in one way or another with news leaking out in the week before the cup final."