Gary Neville believes Erik ten Hag would have been in 'big trouble' if he hadn't have won the FA Cup... but the ex-Man United defender reveals he's happy the Dutchman will remain for the club's revamped structure

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Gary Neville believes that Manchester United's FA Cup win last season saved Erik ten Hag's job and revealed that he is happy the Dutchman will continue in the Old Trafford dug out. 

Ten Hag was given a one-year contract extension by the Red Devils last week that will keep him at the club until June 2026. He had been in talks with United over a new deal after co-owners Ineos decided to keep him in charge following an end-of-season review.

The new contract on existing terms indicates increased support for Ten Hag from a leadership team that includes new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Neville reckons the Red Devils' cup success over bitter rivals Manchester City was key in ensuring Ten Hag remained in post and he hopes the revamped club structure will lead to on-field success.  

'It's was miserable season for Man United in the Premier League,' he told Sky Sports. 'I think that If Erik ten Hag hadn't have won the FA Cup final he would have been in big trouble. 

Gary Neville believes that Man United's FA Cup win was key in ensuring Erik ten Hag kept his job as manager

The Dutchman masterminded a shock cup win over Manchester City after a dismal Premier League campaign

The new contract on existing terms indicates increased support for Ten Hag. Pictured: Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) and Sir Dave Brailsford

'But winning the final against Manchester City, two trophies in two years - Man United flirted with other managers and decided they couldn't find someone who could do the job better than Ten Hag. 

'I'm happy in the end that he's stayed. The reason he's been given another contract is to give him some strength. He had one year left and the idea that there was this ticking clock, we'd be asking him and the club every ten minutes. 

'He'll obviously have to perform this season, it doesn't let him off the hook but I'm hopeful that all the appointments that have been made in and around Ten Hag - as new CEO, particular Dan Ashworth, who brings composure and deserves a mention in term of this England team. 

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'Over the last few years, he was one of the people key to building the foundations of his new England. 

'With Ashworth and these other people, you won't get a situation where Man United are panicking in the transfer window and shooting from the hip like they have done in years gone by. 

'I think it'll be quite measured. If they can't get who they want, they won't buy anyone. They'll make sure they're focussed and precise in what they do moving forward.

'That should give Ten Hag more stability and better advice around him which should help him.'

In a statement following confirmation of his new deal, Ten Hag spoke of his eagerness to continue working at the club but admitted there is 'still lots of hard work ahead'. 

'I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.

'Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

Incoming Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth hailed Ten Hag as one of the 'the most consistently successful coaches' in Europe

'However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.

'In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together.'

Ashworth welcomed the news ahead of Ten Hag's return for pre-season training on Monday, saying: 'With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.

There have been sweeping changes made at the cub since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In addition to the recruitment of Ashworth and Omar Berrada from Premier League rivals, talks are continuing with with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake over becoming Ten Hag's new assistants at Old Trafford.