'Set to sign' - Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd first summer agreement in 'final stages'

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is reportedly closing in on a new contract that will keep him in charge until the summer of 2027.

Since he was named as permanent replacement to former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the summer of 2022, the former Ajax head coach has led United to two major trophies during his first two seasons at Old Trafford. His first campaign ended with the Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet after the Red Devils saw off Newcastle United in the final and last season saw Ten Hag’s side lift the FA Cup with an accomplished display against arch rivals Manchester City in last month’s final.

Despite the latter of those victories, there were reports Ten Hag could be sacked at the end of the season after United were linked with moves for the likes of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, England boss Gareth Southgate and former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. Thomas Tuchel was also linked with the vacancy and there were reports suggesting the former Bayern Munich manager held talks with Old Trafford supremo Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Speaking earlier this month after speculation over his future was brought to an end, the Red Devils boss dropped a major hint he was in discussions over a new deal to extend his time at Old Trafford.

He told Dutch television station NOS: "The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager. Ineos took their time.

“They are new in football, it's normal to reflect on the season. It's no secret that they talked with multiple candidates. Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn't easily done - we are still going to have to talk about this."

Talks over a new contract have reportedly been ongoing in recent weeks as the 13-time Premier League champions look to hand Ten Hag a two-year extension that would see the former Ajax boss earn around £27m over the course of the agreement.

There are also reports suggesting Ten Hag’s backroom staff will be given a refresh with former United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy heading back to Old Trafford after he rejected an opportunity to join Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed the discussions over Ten Hag’s deal has entered its final stages and revealed the Dutchman’s agents are ready to finalise their client’s new contract.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Erik ten Hag, set to sign new contract at Manchester United as deal is now almost agreed. Contacts advancing to final stages this week with his agents to finalize terms. There will be changes in the staff with Ruud van Nistelrooy as strong candidate, as revealed.”

United will get Ten Hag’s third season in charge under way when they face City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, August 10 before their Premier League campaign kicks off with a home game against Fulham six days later.