ERIK TEN HAG has been given the full backing of Manchester United’s new management team.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth made clear their long-term support for the Dutchman shortly before Sunday’s 3-0 home thumping by Liverpool.
And Berrada emphasised Ten Hag will have it even if there is a run of poor results.
Berrada, 46, said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”
Ten Hag narrowly avoided the sack in the summer after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final — and had a contract extension until 2026 triggered.
That decision was made by United’s new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford after they had explored other options.
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Berrada and Ashworth then took up their positions and were also happy for Ten Hag to continue.
Berrada — who was poached from crosstown rivals City — added: “In terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our arrivals.
“But we’re very happy with that decision.
“Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window.
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“We’re going to continue working very closely to help him get the best results out of the team.”
Former Newcastle sporting director Ashworth works closer to Ten Hag than anyone in the new management structure.
He has the next-door office at United’s Carrington HQ and is very much on the same page as the 54-year-old.
Ashworth, 53, said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.
“My job is to support him in every way I can whether that’s operationally with recruitment, whether that’s medical, with psychology, or training ground flow.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn't talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna's representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag's Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd's thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
“It’s to take as much of that off him to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match plan to deliver success.”
Berrada and Ashworth front the football structure at Old Trafford, which also includes former Blackburn Prem title winner Jason Wilcox, 53, as technical director.
Sunday’s defeat was United’s second on the bounce following their 2-1 loss at Brighton.