Manchester United’s Contract Negotiations with Erik ten Hag

Manchester United is said to be in contract negotiations with Erik ten Hag, but the discussions will not only revolve around his extension as manager but also his role in the club’s recruitment process. While Ten Hag currently has the power to veto transfers in and out of the club, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are looking to delegate recruitment responsibilities to dedicated staff members. This shift in power could potentially change the dynamic of how transfers are handled at Manchester United.

Apart from recruitment, another key area of discussion in Ten Hag’s contract negotiations will be regarding the make-up of his coaching team. With the potential restructuring of the recruitment process, the Dutch manager may see changes in his coaching staff as well. Forwards coach Benni McCarthy, whose contract is set to expire this summer, could be replaced by an external coach approved by the club’s new sporting director and technical director. This move aims to quickly implement a “club-led game model” rather than one solely driven by the manager’s preferences.

As talks progress, it is clear that Ten Hag’s influence at Manchester United may undergo significant changes. While he will still have a say in transfers, his primary focus is expected to shift towards managing and coaching a squad that is largely assembled by the dedicated recruitment staff. This redefined role could mark a new era for the club, with a more collaborative approach to player recruitment and team management.

Despite the potential changes in his responsibilities, sources suggest that there is still support for Ten Hag within the club. While the negotiations may lead to a different structure in terms of recruitment and coaching, it is evident that Manchester United values Ten Hag’s leadership and coaching abilities. The discussions surrounding his contract extension and coaching team make-up reflect the club’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.

Manchester United’s contract negotiations with Erik ten Hag represent a significant moment for the club. The potential restructuring of the recruitment process and coaching team highlights a shift towards a more collaborative approach to decision-making. As the talks progress, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact Ten Hag’s role as manager and the overall dynamics within the club.