Captaincy, playing style and two key signings - Erik ten Hag in-tray after Man Utd boss avoids sack

Erik ten Hag will stay on as Manchester United manager after surviving an end-of-season review into a disappointing campaign.

The Dutchman was close to the sack heading into the FA Cup final but victory against Manchester City and the manner in which it was achieved has helped convince Ineos chiefs that he remains the man to lead United into a new era.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford conducted a thorough review into the season just gone, which saw United finish eighth in the league and suffer 14 defeats, both club records in the Premier League era.

A significant injury crisis played a part in that string of poor results and Ten Hag felt the FA Cup final performance, when some of his key men had returned, was evidence of what he could achieve if he had a fully fit squad to work with.

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That view has now been backed by Ineos and having survived this season Ten Hag must deliver significant improvements if he is to repay that faith. These are the issues which should be top of his in-tray now he begins to plan for the 2024/25 season.

He might not have been considered an untouchable when United were drawing up a list of potential sales this summer but amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona, convincing Bruno Fernandes his future is at Old Trafford should be key.

Lifting the FA Cup was another feather in the cap for Fernandes, who has enjoyed an excellent season despite the difficulties going on around him. He remains the best player in this squad and an almost irreplaceable cog in the side, given the quantity of goals and