Erik ten Hag’s future in the Manchester United dugout may have become that little bit safer on Friday morning.
Because the man most would agree was the stand-out candidate to potentially take his place at Old Trafford has now signed a new contract, committing himself to his current role until the summer of 2026.
Volker Struth, the 36-year-old’s agent, admitted to Sky Sports on Wednesday that Julian Naglesmann was likely to make a decision on his future within the next ‘five, six or seven days‘. In the end, it took just two.
The former Bayern Munich boss was supposed to leave the German national team following the upcoming European Championships on home soil. But he will now be sticking around until the North American World Cup, in a blow to those sections of the Manchester United fanbase who have lost faith in Erik ten Hag following a pretty dreadful second season at the helm.
Erik ten Hag a little bit safer at Manchester United
“This is a decision of the heart,” Nagelsmann tells the German Football Federation’s official website. “It is a great honour to be able to train the national team and work with the best players in the country. With successful, passionate performances, we have the chance to inspire an entire country.”
Few would have given Germany a chance, even on home soil, until Nagelsmann took over from Hansi Flick a few months ago. The one-time RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim boss – who has spent nearly a decade in senior management despite his young age – has already brought about a massive uptick in performances, masterminding eye-catching wins over the Netherlands and Euros favourites France.
“The two wins against France and the Netherlands in March really touched me,” Nagelsmann adds. “We want to play a successful home European Championship together, and I’m really looking forward to it together with my coaching team.”
Nagelsmann, who guided Bayern to the Bundesliga title in 2022 and has seen the Bavarian giants decline substantially since his very controversial sacking, was one of the few managers on Man United’s radar who really captured the imagination.
With all due respect to Gareth Southgate andGraham Potter, two of those reportedly admired by Ineos, there is a feeling that United would be better served offering Ten Hag the chance to emulate his successes in 2022/23 than pursue another fresh start, especially if Nagelsmann is no longer on the market.
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Germany delighted to retain Julian Nagelsmann
“It is a strong signal for the DFB and the national team that Julian Nagelsmann will remain national coach beyond the home European Championships,” says a delighted DFB president Bernd Neuendorf.
“Because he is on the wish list of many big clubs across Europe. But the national team is, for Julian Nagelsmann, more than just a job. It’s a real matter close to his heart.
“Now, there is planning security and everyone can concentrate entirely on a successful performance at the European Championships.”
According to The Athletic, Ineos are planning with Ten Hag – rather than without him – as their summer plans take shape. The Dutchman still has one year left on his contract, and maybe deserves the chance to prove himself with a fully fit squad and under a proper, modern footballing structure.
The likes of which Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to put in place.
Ten Hag’s Man United face Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, with silverware still a very real possibility this term.