‘Clear conclusion’ - Dan Ashworth makes bold Erik ten Hag claim in first public address since Man Utd hire
The club’s new sporting director reserved high praise for Erik ten Hag as he agrees a one-year extension.
Dan Ashworth has claimed Erik ten Hag is ‘one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football’ in his first public statement as a Manchester United employee.
The 53-year-old was confirmed as the club’s new sporting director on Monday, ending months of negotiations between the Red Devils and Newcastle United, with the latter placing him on gardening leave since February. He’s started work immediately and has already been involved with a managerial contract extension.
It was announced on Thursday that Ten Hag has extended his current deal with the club, three weeks on from the confirmation that he is set to remain as the club’s manager. The Dutchman’s extension runs until June 2026 and he is expected to have less say on transfers in Ineos’ new football structure.
The former Ajax boss will now answer to directly to Ashworth, who, quoted for the first time since his appointment at United, gave the manager his full backing.
“With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football,” claimed United’s new new sporting director.
“While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.
“This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently. With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club.”
Ashworth will oversee all aspects of United’s football operations and will report to incoming CEO Omar Berrada, who is expected to be appointed later this summer.