His deal, which runs until June 2026, sees the club’s minority investors INEOS give their backing to Ten Hag despite having conducted meetings with other candidates as part of an internal review into last season’s on-field performance.
United’s eighth-placed finish was their worst in Premier League history but the Red Devils’ FA Cup triumph appears to have given Ten Hag a lifeline.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, while reports suggest United are keen on on Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.
However, Agbonlahor is not convinced that Ten Hag is the man to transform the club’s fortunes and doesn't see a return to the Champions League anytime soon.
“I think they’ll do better, of course but will they get into the top four? I don’t think they will,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“I think there’s so much competition now. I don’t think Aston Villa will too (make the top four).
“Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle are going to get better as will Chelsea and Spurs. I don’t see Manchester United breaking into the top four.”
The ex-Villa striker predicts another successful campaign for Manchester City
The ex-Villa striker predicts another successful campaign for Manchester CityCredit: Getty
This is how Agbonlahor expects the top-four to look
This is how Agbonlahor expects the top-four to look
When pressed on which teams will form next season’s top four, the ex-Villa hero predicted a return to the top table of European football for one former Champions League winner.
“I see Man City winning it again and Arsenal as their closest challengers,” he added. “If Liverpool hit it off with their new manager they will be in third place and I think Chelsea will really improve and they’ll be in fourth."
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As for Manchester United, Agbonlahor doesn’t see much change in their league position next term, despite renewed stability surrounding Ten Hag’s position.
“Seventh or maybe eighth again,” he predicted. “They've given Ten Hag an extra year after looking at every other manager possible.
“From watching Manchester United last season, I didn’t see anything in their performances warranting Ten Hag getting a new deal.
“If other manager’s were available and they wanted to come to Manchester United, they (the club) would have changed him this summer.”
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