Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was reportedly issued with one key ultimatum in exchange for retaining some influence over transfers.
After a disastrous 2023/24 campaign that saw United finish in eighth position in their Premier League, their lowest-ever since 1989/90, Ten Hag’s future was unsurprisingly uncertain.
However, following an extensive end-of-season review, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS decided to afford the Dutchman more time to improve the situation at Old Trafford, largely influenced by Ten Hag’s FA Cup final victory over cross-town rivals Manchester City.
There was even speculation that Ten Hag would be offered a new contract, which, in addition to extending his stay in the United dugout, would also reduce his influence over transfers. A report covered by The Peoples Person suggested that the 54-year-old’s title would be changed from manager to head coach.
As head coach, Ten Hag’s responsibilities would be limited to coaching and improving the team while transfers would be handled by experts brought in by Ratcliffe as part of his radical overhaul of the club’s football operations.
Eventually, United just triggered a one-year extension on Ten Hag’s contract to keep him with the Reds until 2026.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag’s continued significant say over transfers was contingent on producing strong results and performances.
The newspaper reveals, “Sources have told ESPN that despite the arrival of Berrada, Ashworth and Wilcox, Ten Hag’s influence on recruitment hasn’t been watered down and his role remains the same as it was when he arrived from Ajax in 2022.”
“But having retained some control, he needs to back it up with results on the pitch, and there’s an acceptance that results and performances like the one against Liverpool won’t be tolerated indefinitely.”
“Berrada and Ashworth are backing Ten Hag, for now, but it’s noteworthy that the decision to extend the Dutchman’s contract was taken in June before they took up their new roles. For United, it’s still being viewed as a transitional period.”
ESPN notes that Ashworth’s focus so far has been on the first team and only until the summer transfer window was closed did the United sporting director finally have the chance to meet academy scouts.
It’s understood that United’s objective moving forward is to make more appointments to support Ashworth and Wilcox and in the process, make the 20-time English champions a better-functioning and more successful entity in the market.
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