"We have to make that our next step" - Erik ten Hag looks ahead to pre-season after avoiding Manchester United sack

Erik ten Hag has stressed the importance of Manchester United's pre-season amid the Red Devils' decision to keep him in charge. The Dutch coach will continue as manager despite widespread speculation suggesting he was set to be sacked last month.

Ten Hag spoke to the club's media team about pre-season and his expectations from United's tour of the United States. He touched on several members of his squad taking part in Euro 2024 and Copa America with their countries:

"We have a strong first-team squad...they (youth players) have the levels to play in our team for next season. There will be a mix, with experienced players together with some young players.[The squad will be] as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved."

Eight of Manchester United's first team are set to be in action at Euro 2024. Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark), Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo (England), Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes (Portugal), Scott McTominay (Scotland) and Altay Bayindir (Turkey).

Red Devils trio Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina), and Facundo Pellistri (Uruguay) could play at Copa America in the States.

Ten Hag wants to make the most of pre-season and hinted at building a more cohesive unit:

"Pre-season is about preparing for the season and we have to make that our next step...It is one of the only times when you have the team together, and you can work in training on structures, the way of play, but also on certain standards around the team and that’s very important to take this period and use it effectively."

The Red Devils' pre-season tour of the USA starts a day after the Euro 2024 final. They have friendlies against Rosenborg (July 15), Rangers (July 20), Arsenal (July 28), Real Betis (August 1), and Liverpool (August 4).

Manchester United were expected to part ways with Ten Hag regardless of the result in the FA Cup final on May 25. He oversaw an impressive 2-1 win against Manchester City at Wembley.

A lengthy end-of-season review was conducted to decide Ten Hag's fate, eventually leading to him staying. He's been at Old Trafford since July 2022 and won two trophies in as many years.

However, a dismal eighth-placed finish in the league and lackluster performances last season led to the review. It was statistically one of United's worst-ever seasons but saved by an FA Cup triumph.

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Erik ten Hag will reportedly sign a two-year extension with Manchester United

Manchester United's co-owners are set to offer Erik ten Hag a contract extension.

Manchester United's owners are set to show their willingness to back Ten Hag by offering him a new two-year contract extension. His current deal expires in June 2025, although there's the option of a further year.

The Telegraph reports that Ten Hag grew frustrated with the time the club's end-of-season review took. He felt it would disrupt their transfer plans ahead of a vital summer transfer window under INEOS' sporting control.

Ten Hag has held preliminary discussions with Manchester United's hierarchy over an extension. They have been impressed with his development of youth and his conduct during the uncertainty over his future.

INEOS reportedly approached other Premier League managers such as Fulham's Marco Silva and Brentford's Thomas Frank. There were other names in the frame to potentially replace Ten Hag including Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate.