New Man Utd transfer strategy set to shape Erik ten Hag’s contract talks

Erik ten Hag’s involvement in Manchester United’s transfer strategy will be a key point of discussion when both parties sit down to negotiate a new contract.

Confirmation emerged on Tuesday night that Ten Hag will remain in charge at Old Trafford following the club’s extensive end-of-season review. That’s despite United sounding out several potential replacements and concerns over the club’s performances in the Premier League this season.

But not only is Ten Hag set to retain his role as United boss, talks will now begin on a new deal for the 54-year-old. A key element of that will be a slight change in role for Ten Hag, who will be viewed more as a head coach than a manager.

That means the Dutchman having less influence on transfer strategy, and the club’s new approach to incomings and outgoings will be central to those contract negotiations, ManchesterWorld understands.

Previously, Ten Hag had exerted a high level of authority on the club’s transfer approach, an unusual level of power for a Premier League manager. His penchant for signing Dutch players or those with experience of the Eredivisie has had mixed fortunes, while there has been some concern by United officials as to the influence of Ten Hag’s agency SEG.

Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat became clients before moves to Old Trafford last summer, while SEG’s Donyell Malen was a previous transfer target. Youngster Sam Mather also signed up to be represented by the company, as did Zidane Iqbal before his exit last summer.

There was also a sense that SEG would have been heavily involved in transfer strategy again this window had Ten Hag remained in control, an issue Ineos have now addressed.

The new policy, as outlined by ManchesterWorld last month, will see Ten Hag working alongside the Ineos hierarchy, likely with the manager having input into which areas of the team need to be strengthened and a list of potential signings subsequently being produced. Matt Hargreaves and Jason Wilcox are expected to play a significant role in this summer’s transfer plans with Omar Berrard and Dan Ashworth yet to begin their respective roles at Old Trafford.

Homegrown talents with some experience of Premier League football are expected to be important criteria for any new arrivals, while players in the final year are also seen as a way to avoid excessive spending. Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Max Killman, Amadou Onana, Michael Olise, Pedro Neto and Evan Ferguson are viewed as possible summer recruits.