Manchester United has decided to retain Erik ten Hag as their manager following the club's end-of-season review. The Dutchman, who led United to victory in the FA Cup last month, has agreed to continue his tenure at Old Trafford.

After a period of uncertainty surrounding ten Hag's future, talks were held between the 54-year-old and the club on Tuesday. Both parties expressed a preference for his continued role as manager. Ten Hag's current contract with United runs until next June, with an option to extend by another year. Negotiations regarding the extension of his contract will now take place.

The review of the 2023-24 campaign, which included assessing ten Hag's performance, was set to determine if a change in the managerial position was necessary. In preparation for such a scenario, United had identified several potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Kieran McKenna.

However, following a thorough process led by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, it was decided to move forward with ten Hag as the preferred choice. Speculation over his future had cast a shadow over the build-up to the FA Cup final, with ten Hag himself uncertain whether it would be his last match in charge after what he described as a "rubbish" campaign.

This season, United finished in eighth place in the Premier League, their lowest position in the era of the competition. Their points total of 60 was only two better than their worst tally since the league's inception in 1992. Additionally, their goal difference of minus-one was the first time in 34 years that it fell on the negative side.

United's disappointments extended beyond the domestic league. They exited the Champions League at the group stage, finishing at the bottom of their group. The team also saw an early exit from the EFL Cup in the fourth round. Though the FA Cup victory secured their spot in European football for next season, it wasn't enough to salvage their disappointing campaign.

The confirmation of INEOS' minority investment in the club in February signaled a new era for Manchester United. The new football operations hierarchy has already begun implementing changes, including appointing Omar Berrada from Manchester City as the new chief executive in July. The club is also expected to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as the new sporting director and has recruited Jason Wilcox as the technical director.

For ten Hag, the FA Cup win marked his second trophy in as many seasons since taking over as United's manager in 2022. In his first season, United finished third in the Premier League and also reached the FA Cup final, where they were ultimately defeated by Manchester City.

The decision to retain ten Hag shows the club's confidence in his abilities and their commitment to building a successful future under his leadership. United fans will now await the outcome of contract negotiations and look forward to seeing how ten Hag will shape the team for the upcoming season.