Manchester United is in the midst of contract negotiations with Erik ten Hag, with discussions revolving around not only the extension of his contract but also his role in the club’s recruitment process. Sources have revealed that Ten Hag’s current deal, set to expire in 2025, includes provisions that grant him veto power over transfers. However, the new ownership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team at INEOS are looking to shift the responsibility of recruitment to dedicated staff members, led by key figures such as Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.
Another crucial aspect of the negotiations will be the make-up of Ten Hag’s coaching team. With the potential restructuring of the coaching staff, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of forwards coach Benni McCarthy, whose contract expires this summer. While Ten Hag is keen on retaining McCarthy, there are talks about bringing in an external coach to work alongside the existing assistants, Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren. This decision, approved by Ashworth and Wilcox, aims to establish a “club-led game model” rather than one solely dictated by the manager.
Under the new structure, Ten Hag’s role will primarily revolve around managing and coaching a squad assembled by the dedicated recruitment staff. While the manager will still have a voice in transfer decisions, the day-to-day operations of recruitment will be handled by professionals such as Jason Wilcox, Steve Brown, and Matt Hargreaves. Ten Hag will be briefed on the progress made during the review period and will play a crucial role in shaping the squad for the upcoming season based on the recruitment team’s recommendations.
As negotiations progress, the future of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United seems to be taking shape under a new era of recruitment and coaching structure. The collaborative approach between the manager and the dedicated staff members signals a shift towards a more systematic and club-oriented approach to player acquisitions and team management. With an emphasis on efficiency and cohesion, the forthcoming season could mark a significant turning point for the club under the leadership of Erik ten Hag and the new ownership team at INEOS.
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