Arsenal name-dropped in Man Utd's internal review as Erik ten Hag survives the chop

Manchester United chiefs are looking to learn from Arsenal when it comes to being patient with their managers, according to reports. The Red Devils have just completed their end-of-season review, which saw Erik ten Hag avoid the sack following months of speculation.

United’s ownership group are determined to lead the club back to former glories, with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of greatness. In making the decision to keep Ten Hag, they pointed to how Arsenal reaped the rewards of being patient with Mikel Arteta, according to The Independent.

It is said that INEOS have paid close attention to how Arsenal have gradually established themselves as regular Premier League title contenders. Arteta survived a miserable period in 2021 despite being under pressure, with the Gunners allowing him to reshape the squad in his image.

Arsenal’s patience has paid dividends, with Arteta having transformed their fortunes after overcoming an initial tricky spell. United will be hoping to emulate their progress with Ten Hag, who is going nowhere this summer after it was confirmed that he will be staying at Old Trafford.

The report adds that United will prioritise younger recruitment in another lesson learned from Arsenal, who have made a habit of signing players yet to reach their peaks. They paid a British record fee to land Declan Rice last summer as well as investing heavily to sign the likes of Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.

It seems Ten Hag will be looking to do the same over the coming months, with United said to be pursuing moves for a number of talented young players. They have been heavily linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best defenders during his time at Goodison Park.

United were also credited with an interest in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko before the 21-year-old signed a new long-term contract in Germany. Other names such as Jeremie Frimpong, Joao Neves and Leny Yoro have been mentioned in connection with the Red Devils as of late.

Ten Hag has already revealed that he will be looking to improve his squad in a number of key areas, saying last month: “We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund. I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for [Raphael] Varane.

“Then I think things will look very good for next season with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit. Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an 11. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.”