Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag aims to put past uncertainties behind and focus on a season he expects to be a true test of resilience and strength.

The impressive way his team Xoilac TV won the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley in May likely played a crucial role in retaining Ten Hag’s position.

The renewal of the 54-year-old’s appointment was confirmed after a detailed review by the new co-owners, Ineos. This extension, activating a one-year option in his contract, will keep the former Ajax manager at Old Trafford until 2026.

After the FA Cup victory, Ten Hag confidently declared, “If they don’t want me, I’ll go and win elsewhere.”

His statement was a reflection of his self-confidence, but Ten Hag is now eager to move past the uncertainty as the team embarks on their tour. United are accompanied by new chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox.

“Helping the club win major titles is a big goal of my career” Ten Hag remarked. “I have confidence in myself. We had to be patient, but in the end, we received the reward.”

“We temporarily forget past failures, to start a new season with new successes. This is an exciting project, and although there will be challenges, we’re currently full of energy, with a strong dynamic and positive spirit. We’re eager to work hard and achieve victories.”

Last season, United were severely impacted by injuries, especially in defense, where they had six players sidelined at different times.

Ten Hag has already made progress in tackling these issues both on and off the pitch.

United have invested nearly £90m in French defender Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Additionally, they’ve strengthened their backroom team by hiring Gary O’Driscoll from Arsenal as head of sports medicine and Jordan Reece as head physio.

“This season will be an even greater test of endurance than before,” Ten Hag remarked, as his team prepares to play Arsenal in a pre-season tour match on Saturday.

“The strain on the players is immense. We weren’t the only team facing numerous injuries, and we weren’t even the worst off. It was just unfortunate timing. By the end of the season, our defensive issues cost us valuable points. With the new structure in Europe, the pressure on players is tremendous.”

United’s FA Cup final win has secured them a place in the Europa League, which, like the Champions League, will feature eight group-stage matches instead of the usual six.

Ten Hag is actively seeking new players, with a focus on strengthening full-back and central defense positions.

At the same time 7m, he acknowledges the need to maximize the potential of his current squad, especially England internationals Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.

Rashford’s performance declined significantly last season, falling from a career-best 30 goals in 2022-23 to just eight.

Mount made just five Premier League starts after his £55m transfer from Chelsea last summer and was limited to just a minute as a substitute in the FA Cup final against City at Wembley.

“Coach ten hag commented: “Player Rashford has proven his personal ability by scoring many goals at a young age.”

 “I believe he can reach that level again, just like he did two years ago.

“As for Mason, I don’t judge him based on last season due to his injury. Once he’s fit, he will be a valuable player. He brings versatility to the squad, and I’m confident he will contribute significantly to the team.”

Just before Ten Hag’s first press conference at the UCLA complex in Los Angeles, United announced another new addition to their coaching staff: former Lillestrom and Malmo manager Andreas Georgson.

The 42-year-old, who has previously been involved with Brentford, Arsenal, and Southampton in England, joins the revamped backroom team alongside former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and ex-Go Ahead Eagles coach Rene Hake.

“We continuously evaluate and score the players’ playing ability, thereby improving their football skills,” Ten Hag said. 

“He will focus on areas like individual development, fostering a winning culture, and set-piece strategies.”

In other news, Genoa are considering a move for former United goalkeeper David de Gea.

The 33-year-old Spaniard has been a free agent for over a year since departing Old Trafford.