Paul Scholes reacts to Manchester United’s decision to keep faith with Erik ten Hag as manager

Manchester United fans need to see ‘major improvements’ next term, says Paul Scholes (Picture: Getty)

Paul Scholes has said it is ‘nice to wake up to’ news that Manchester United are sticking with Erik ten Hag beyond the summer but believes ‘major improvements’ are needed next season.

Ten Hag’s position had been the subject of intense scrutiny after a poor campaign for United in the Premier League, in which the club finished down in eighth place.

But Ten Hag ended the season on a high, masterminding a shock victory over Manchester City in last month’s FA Cup final, his second trophy in two years, presenting United’s hierarchy with an almighty dilemma.

Widespread reports prior to United’s win indicated Ten Hag would be relieved of his duties regardless of the outcome at Wembley and Sir Jim Ratcliffe dodged questions surrounding the Dutchman after the match, further fuelling these rumours.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and Kieran McKenna have all been linked while the Red Devils conducted a lengthy post-season review, with Ten Hag away on holiday in Ibiza.

But the former Ajax manager can now look ahead to the 2024/25 campaign knowing he has the backing of Old Trafford bosses and club legend Scholes is pleased that the speculation has finally been put to bed.

However, the former United midfielder – an 11-time Premier League winner at the Theatre of Dreams – feels supporters ‘deserve better’ from their team going forward.

Scholes says ‘major improvements’ are needed at United next season (Picture: Instagram)

‘Nice to wake up to this news although I did think Palace away felt like the end…,’ Scholes said in a now-deleted message on his Instagram stories.

‘Major improvements needed but at least we have a bit of continuity and don’t have to wait for a new regime to settle in…

‘Fans have given him and the players incredible support and deserve better next season.’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is holding the FA Cup during the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, on May 25, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Scholes is pleased United have put an end to the speculation over Ten Hag’s future (Picture: Getty)

United co-owner Ratcliffe, who completed a partial £1.3billion takeover in February, has made significant changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with the likes of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada joining and Dan Ashworth set to follow suit.

Former United captain Nemanja Vidic has been impressed by what he has seen and is hopeful that the billionaire businessman – the chairman and CEO of INEOS – can help steer the club back to its former glory.

‘I think the approach of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I like that approach. Obviously he’s going slowly, he’s not making decisions just with a gut feeling,’ the ex-United and defender told Sky Sports.

‘I think he wants to create a group of people that will be in charge of different departments. Manchester United is a big club with different departments, you have to have a good relationship with those departments.

‘I hope he is going to choose the right people and obviously take the time until Manchester United becomes again what we all expect it to be.

‘I believe Sir Jim, with his knowledge, not just with the sport but as a businessman, I think he’s very successful and he knows how leadership is important.’

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