Manchester United and Ten Hag Discuss Reduced Role in Transfers: Sources

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly agreed to a reduced role in the club’s transfer strategy, as the club seeks to address concerns over its recruitment process. According to sources close to the situation, discussions have taken place between ten Hag and United’s board, including chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough. It was decided that ten Hag would retain a say in player acquisitions, but the overall decision-making would fall to the board. This decision comes amid criticism of United’s transfer spending in recent years. The club has spent heavily on players who have not lived up to expectations, resulting in a bloated and unbalanced squad. Ten Hag is said to have expressed his support for the new arrangement, recognizing the need for a more structured and collaborative approach to transfers. He believes that it will allow him to focus on coaching the team rather than being solely responsible for their recruitment. Sources suggest that United’s board will now take a more hands-on role in identifying and targeting potential signings. The board is expected to consult with ten Hag and other members of the coaching staff, but the final decisions on acquisitions will be theirs. The reduced role for ten Hag could potentially stabilize United’s transfer strategy and prevent future mistakes. By sharing the responsibility for acquisitions, the club hopes to create a more balanced and competitive squad. However, some sources have expressed concern that the move could limit ten Hag’s influence on the team. They believe that it is crucial for any manager to have a strong say in the players brought in and that giving the board too much control could lead to a lack of coherence in recruitment. Time will tell whether the new arrangement will be successful in helping Manchester United return to its former glory.Erik ten Hag’s Expanded Role at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag’s Expanded Role at Manchester United

As Manchester United embarks on contract negotiations with manager Erik ten Hag, key discussions will center around his involvement in the club’s recruitment and coaching team composition, sources have revealed to ESPN. Despite the recent confirmation that Ten Hag will continue as United’s manager after the end-of-season review, talks will commence to extend his current contract, which expires in 2025. While Ten Hag’s current contract permits him to veto transfers, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are eager to delegate recruitment responsibilities to dedicated personnel, including incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox. Under this proposed structure, Ten Hag would have input on transfers, but his primary focus would shift towards managing and coaching a squad largely tailored to his vision. Recruitment efforts, currently led by Wilcox and chief scout Steve Brown in the absence of Ashworth, have been ongoing during United’s review process, and Ten Hag will be briefed on progress now that his role next season is confirmed. Discussions will also involve the makeup of Ten Hag’s coaching staff, specifically the future of forwards coach Benni McCarthy. While Ten Hag prefers McCarthy to remain, sources indicate that Sir Dave Brailsford is considering bringing in an external coach to join assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren. Brailsford believes an external coaching appointment endorsed by Ashworth and Wilcox would expedite the implementation of a “club-led playing model” rather than one solely influenced by the manager.Manchester United have told Erik ten Hag that he will have a reduced role in the club’s transfer strategy, sources have told ESPN. The new manager had been hoping to have a significant say in which players United sign this summer, but the club’s hierarchy have made it clear that they will retain control of the transfer process. Ten Hag will still be consulted on potential targets, but the final decision on whether or not to sign a player will rest with the club’s board of directors. Sources say that United’s decision is based on the belief that Ten Hag needs time to adapt to the Premier League and that the club’s existing transfer structure is well-established and has a good track record. It is understood that Ten Hag is disappointed with the decision, but he accepts that he must work within the club’s existing framework. United are set to appoint a new director of football this summer, and it is thought that this person will have a key role in shaping the club’s transfer strategy going forward. Sources say that the club is considering several candidates for the role, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and ex-Roma sporting director Monchi. United are also expected to make a number of signings this summer, with a new centre-back, a central midfielder and a wide forward all high on the club’s wish list.