Erik ten Hag to Have Reduced Transfer Role at Manchester United

Sources have informed ESPN that Manchester United’s contract negotiations with Erik ten Hag will involve discussions about his involvement in the club’s recruitment process and the composition of his coaching staff.

ESPN reported on Tuesday that Ten Hag will remain as manager following the conclusion of United’s end-of-season review.

Following the decision, club sources have informed ESPN that discussions to extend Ten Hag’s contract will commence, as his current deal is scheduled to expire in 2025.

However, two crucial topics will be Erik ten Hag’s influence over recruitment and the structure of his coaching team.

The 54-year-old’s contract, signed upon his arrival from Ajax in 2022 and which includes a plus-one option until 2026, grants him the authority to veto both incoming and outgoing transfers.

However, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, led by Sir Dave Brailsford, are eager to delegate recruitment responsibilities to a specialized team headed by incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilsox, chief scout Steve Brown, and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves.

Under the new framework, Ten Hag would retain “a voice” in transfers, but his revised role would primarily focus on managing and coaching a squad that is largely assembled for him.

Sources informed ESPN that recruitment activities, overseen by Wilcox and Brown while Dan Ashworth is still on gardening leave from Newcastle United, were ongoing during United’s review. Now that it has been confirmed Ten Hag will continue to lead the team next season, he will be updated on their progress.

Sources have informed ESPN that there is a belief that bringing in an external coaching appointment, endorsed by Ashworth and Wilcox, could expedite the implementation of a “club-led game model,” rather than one solely dictated by the manager.