Erik ten Hag’s job at Manchester United was declared safe before Dan Ashworth arrived as new sporting director but four days later, the manager agreed a contract extension.
Ashworth, as he was prised out of gardening leave at Newcastle United, would have at least been briefed about why Ineos felt it was appropriate to keep the Dutchman on and then offer an extra 12 months on his deal.
The former Brighton and FA chief will oversee the manager role from here on in and reality says that the contract extension means little should Ten Hag perform poorly once more in the opening months of the season. Because this time there will be little excuse.
