Manchester United to Revamp Erik ten Hag’s Role in Upcoming Contract Negotiations
Manchester United is set to revise Erik ten Hag’s responsibilities as the club prepares to initiate new contract discussions with the Dutch manager, following a decision to retain him at Old Trafford.
After a comprehensive post-season review by United’s new sporting leadership, prompted by an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup victory, the club evaluated whether Ten Hag should continue leading the team into a new era or if a change in management was necessary.
Despite engaging in discussions with potential alternatives such as Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank, it is INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, a key advisor to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has been notably eager to keep Ten Hag at the helm.
Securing Ten Hag’s tenure is also linked to offering him an extended contract, solidifying his involvement in the club’s ongoing rebuild. However, the new terms are expected to include modifications to his role.
According to ESPN, the forthcoming discussions will address two main areas: diminishing Ten Hag’s control over recruitment and restructuring his coaching staff.
Since his arrival, Ten Hag has had significant influence over transfer decisions, with veto power over player acquisitions and sales. Under his tenure, United has invested heavily in players he previously managed, such as Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, and Antony, while pursuing others like Frenkie de Jong and Brian Brobbey. The club is also stepping back from its interest in Matthijs de Ligt, another of Ten Hag’s former Ajax players.
In the proposed new structure, Ten Hag would retain a say in transfers but would primarily focus on coaching and managing the squad. Player acquisitions and sales would be handled by a specialized recruitment department, likely led by the anticipated new sporting director, Dan Ashworth.
So far, the summer recruitment efforts have been overseen by new technical director Jason Wilcox and chief scout Steve Brown, as Ashworth is yet to transition from his current role at Newcastle United.
Regarding the coaching staff, Benni McCarthy’s contract is nearing its end. While Ten Hag favors retaining the South African coach, there is a possibility of bringing in an external candidate to collaborate with current assistant coaches Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag.
The overarching strategy appears to aim for a ‘club-led’ approach, ensuring that future managers and players align with a pre-established system. This model is similar to successful frameworks at clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and even Brighton & Hove Albion.
By adjusting Ten Hag’s role and embracing a more structured approach to recruitment and coaching, Manchester United aims to build a cohesive, long-term strategy that supports sustained success and adaptability, regardless of individual managerial changes. This shift could help United emulate the consistent excellence seen in their domestic and European competitors, providing a stable foundation for future achievements.