SIR JIM RATCLIFFE made a drаmаtic U-turn by sticking with Erik ten Hag, and then began talks on a new contract with the Manchester United manager.

Following a two-week end-of-season review, the Dutchman was given the green light last night to stay at Old Trafford for the following season.

Ratcliffe, a New United part-owner, met with Thomas Tuchel last weekend but was unable to reach an agreement with the former Bayern Munich manager.

And now United has confirmed that Ten Hag, who had a 12-month contract, will stay on the job.

Ten Hag, 54, appeared to be doomed after his team finished eighth in the Premier League, the club’s lowest finish ever, and missed out on Champions League football.

However, the former Ajax manager led United to FA Cup glory by defeating Premier League champions and neighbours Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 25.

Despite winning his second trophy in two years, Ten Hag, who stated that if he was removed from his position, he would “win trophies elsewhere,” was kept waiting to hear his fate.

United considered all options, including German Tuchel, who has decided to take a managerial break, England manager Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thomas Frank.

However, Ratcliffe’s Ineos eventually concluded that Ten Hag was the best candidate for the job after reviewing the entire campaign and first-team operations.

Ten Hag, who was photographed yesterday with his wife on vacation in Ibiza, also held constructive talks with the United hierarchy on Tuesday.

Confirmation arrived late last night that he is staying on and will soon meet with the club’s top brass to discuss next season’s squad and how the team will move forward.

Ratcliffe has already implemented changes behind the scenes in a new management structure, with chief executive Omar Berrarda set to start next month, alongside director of football Dan Ashworth, who is expected to join from Newcastle.

Jason Wilcox, the technical director, has already begun working with Ratcliffe, Sir David Brailsford, and Jean Claude Blanc.

The news of Ten Hag’s reprieve will be welcomed by a large portion of the United fan base, who stood by the manager during a difficult league campaign marred by injuries.

United’s stunning Wembley victory over Pep Guardiola’s side, as well as the quality of their performance, only strengthened their belief that he should be given more time.

Ten Hag now has two major trophies in as many seasons as manager, after winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup against Newcastle in his first season.

Ten Hag’s excellent work in developing young players such as England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho is thought to have been well received, and it was consistent with the club’s tradition of providing a pathway for young stars to thrive at Old Trafford.

The hierarchy also acknowledged the club’s crippling ιnjury record and expressed confidence that key signings Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, as well as the injured Mason Mount, would improve after their debut seasons.

Ten Hag is now free to prepare for the upcoming campaign without worrying about his future.

He has won both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup since being appointed in the summer of 2022.