Erik ten Hag says he has “no doubts” he will be in charge of Manchester United next season and believes he is taking the club in “the right direction”.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has asked former British Cycling performance director Sir Dave Brailsford to undertake a structural review of the club following his minority investment, with Ten Hag’s position likely to be one of the key items of consideration.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that no decision has been made on Ten Hag’s future, but planning for next season is happening with the Dutchman at the helm.
Asked whether he believes he will be Ratcliffe and Brailsford’s man to lead the club next season, Ten Hag said: “I don’t have any doubts. I am just focussing on my job, just focussing on this process and this project.
He added: “I really love to be here and (I’m) really enjoying it.”
Does Erik ten Hag have ANY doubts that he will be at Old Trafford next season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/eZne20TGpR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 5, 2024
Thursday night’s last-gasp defeat to Chelsea leaves United sixth in the table, nine points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur and the potential Champions League qualifying spot of fifth place.
Ten Hag has had to deal with a spate of injuries to high-profile players leaving him with a makeshift back line ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool.
Raphael Varane was forced off at half time during the defeat to Chelsea before his centre-back replacement Jonny Evans was also withdrawn with a knock.
Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were ruled out for a month earlier in the week, meaning Willy Kambwala could be in line to feature at Old Trafford on Sunday after finishing the game at Stamford Bridge.
“For me it is just a challenge, it will not always go in the right way,” said Ten Hag.
“The results are not always going the way we want, but I am sure we are going in the right direction and we will get where we want to be.”
United visit Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, April 9, before an FA Cup semi-final tie against Championship side Coventry.
