"This isn't easily done" - Ten Hag confirms he hasn't reached agreement with Manchester United over contract extension

Manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he's yet to reach an agreement with Manchester United over a contract extension. The Dutchman's future at Old Trafford hangs in the balance following the Red Devils' abysmal season.

They finished eighth in the Premier League, their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. The Red Devils' defensive and midfield frailties were on display throughout much of the season, as they struggled to defend and also convert chances into goals.

United might witness a revamped roster going into the next season. Seasoned defender Raphael Varane will leave as a free agent. The Red Devils might choose to not trigger the clause to sign midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived on a season-long loan from Serie A side Florentina.

Furthermore, Jadon Sancho's future at Manchester United is shrouded in mystery. It's likely that Borussia Dortmund will do their best to keep him in Germany after seeing him arrive on a season-long loan.

However, the most important piece of the puzzle is Erik ten Hag. Despite beating Manchester City 2-1 in the final of the FA Cup, it's believed that the United board is evaluating their options. Reports surfaced last week iterating that the Old Trafford side have opted to give the former Ajax manager another season to prove his mettle.

During a recent interview, though, the Dutch manager said that he hasn't had a word with Manchester United over a contract extension (via AFC Ajax):

"Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn't easily done. We are still going to have to talk about this."

Journalist Peter Hall had last week suggested that Ten Hag would stay United manager but wouldn't play a decisive role in recruitment.

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Ten Hag to stay on as Manchester United manager but focus entirely on coaching and tactics

Peter Hall reported that Erik ten Hag would continue at Old Trafford but would play a secondary role in recruitment. That's perhaps because the Dutch manager's transfers have been under the microscope since his arrival in England.

His handling of Jadon Sancho's situation at the club has also been criticised. Furthermore, his signing of former Ajax player Andre Onana has been a matter of much tittle-tattle as well.

Hall said that Ten Hag would continue at Manchester United but would focus entirely on coaching and tactics. That's even after The Red Devils qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup. Chelsea, who finished sixth and earned the Europa League spot, were demoted to the Europa Conference League.