Explained: Sir Dave Brailsford changed his mind on Erik ten Hag for THREE big reasons

It has now been revealed that Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United job was saved due to a change of heart from Sir Dave Brailsford, and he had three reasons why.

Erik ten Hag will continue as Manchester United‘s manager for the upcoming season, following the decision by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford to retain him at Old Trafford.

Over the past six months, there has been intense speculation about Ten Hag’s suitability to lead United into the new INEOS era. However, after three weeks of careful deliberation following the triumphant FA Cup final win over Manchester City, the club’s leadership concluded that keeping Ten Hag was the best course of action.

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The club had explored high-profile alternatives, such as Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel, but when these options proved unavailable, the decision to remain with Ten Hag became evident.

It was well documented in the media that Brailsford was a big advocate of Southgate’s within United, so once the news broke that Ten Hag was staying, it took some by surprise.

However, The Times has now revealed that Ten Hag’s job was, in part, saved by Brailsford’s U-turn once it became clear that appointing Southgate would be incredibly tricky due to the 2024 European Championships.

“The club cited several reasons why they had decided against his sacking,” The Times explained. “One was the fact that Ten Hag had to deal with a huge amount of injuries last season, which is fair.

“They also said that the FA Cup win was a good reason to keep Ten Hag on — although if that was the case, why did Ratcliffe not name him in the statement that he released after the final, in which he said he was ‘very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them’.

“Another reason — and this is more palatable — is the fact that he has helped to develop Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho into star performers for United, both at the age of 19. It is a club that prides itself on its academy success. As a lifelong United fan, Ratcliffe knows that is the case.”

Ten Hag is due to return to Carrington in mid-July, ahead of the club’s pre-season tour before the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

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