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After weeks of speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United, the club’s end-of-season review culminated in the top brass finally deciding to stick with the Dutchman rather than bring in a new manager.
Ten Hague has withstood most of the criticism for United’s extremely poor 2023/24 season, which saw the team finish eighth in the Premier League, their lowest since 1989/90.
For much of the campaign, the Red Devils were criticized for their inconsistent performances and results, which often left a lot to be desired.
However, Ten Hag and his players got some respite by winning the FA Cup. The United boss masterminded a brilliant 2-1 win against Manchester City at Wembley to claim his second major piece of silverware in as many years at Old Trafford.
Before and during their end-of-season review, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are believed to have been in contact with representatives of potential Ten Hag replacements, including Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Franco and Marco Silva. At one point it looked like Ten Haag was on the verge of being fired, but a combination of factors worked in his favor to ensure he remained in the Old Trafford dugout.
In an incredible turn of events, the 54-year-old is understood to be in line for a new two-year deal.
The Telegraph reports that United and Ten Hag hope to reach a “quick deal on a new contract”. The paper also revealed five hurdles the two sides must clear during the talks before everything is sealed and signed.
Contract duration
This is one issue that may require both sides to compromise.
As mentioned, discussions are underway for a new two-year contract for Ten Haag, and according to The Telegraph, he wants “any new contract to demonstrate INEOS’ long-term commitment”.
Ten Haag expects United to offer him new terms that run until 2027, rather than just an additional 12 months. It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe and his associates insist on a break clause in any long-term deal.
James Ducker says: “The challenge now is to show that they are serious about moving forward together after the strain on their relationship from courting potential replacements. ”
“The situation (INEOS is checking other managers) has undermined Ten Haag’s authority, but the goodwill of both parties to move forward must now translate into a real realignment and debunk the theory that the former Ajax coach is just keeping a warm seat until someone better comes along.”
Transfer control
Since Ten Haag’s appointment in 2022, he has had a major say in transfers. There is a belief that he has an agreement in his contract that allows him to believe in transfers if he does not want the recommendations of the club’s scouting department.
However, the new owners, who have implemented a “best-in-class” football structure, now want United to be led by a head coach rather than a manager.
This arrangement would mean that Ten Haag would be fully focused on coaching the team, while he would leave the work of transfers and recruitment to other experts.
The Telegraph explains: “Ten Haag is thought to be unlikely to be willing to give up influence on recruitment entirely, but it remains to be seen whether he is open to his so-called ‘veto’ being re-categorised as ‘input’, or something more broad.” which at least gives him a voice in the process, if Ineos asks for changes.”
Manager vs head coach
As mentioned, Ineos wants Ten Hag’s official title to change from manager to head coach.
Ducker goes on to say about this particular obstacle: “Ineos favors the idea of a head coach working within a cohesive structure with high functions. Any eventual successor to Ten Hag is likely to carry that title, rather than the managerial title the Dutchman currently holds.”
“It is not certain that Ineos would insist on a title change during contract negotiations, but it could face resistance from Ten Haag if it does, given the clear expectations he has around his role at Old Trafford.”
Game model
Back in April it emerged that Ratcliffe and INEOS had tasked new United technical director Jason Wilcox with the responsibility of coming up with a sustainable game model and style of play which would then be imposed on Ten Haag and his coaching staff.
Against City at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Wilcox was suggested to have influenced Ten Hag’s tactical preparations as he advised the United player to start Bruno Fernandes in a false 9. This tweak paid dividends. Fernandes was brilliant in that role and caused all kinds of problems for the reigning Premier League champions. The Portugal national team player assisted Kobbi Mainoo’s winning goal.
As for the game model, The Telegraph points out: “This could be the biggest source of tension during the talks – and may require the most compromises if the talks don’t unravel.”
“The United hierarchy were concerned about how open and exposed the team was last season. But Ten Haag has long felt that the style of play must be determined by the manager and is unlikely to accept the changes imposed on him.”
Coaching staff
Ten Haag is understood to be interested in the make-up of his backroom staff.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person claims that Ten Hag want United to hand strikers coach Benny McCarthy a new contract to keep him at Old Trafford.
McCarthy’s contract expires at the end of this month.
“Ten Haag values his main assistants in Mitchell van der Gaag, another strong and principled figure, and Steve McClaren, but there has been talk throughout the season that Ineos is potentially looking to reshape or add to the managerial coaching team.”
“This is an area where Ten Haag can be open to referrals, although it can be difficult if he feels someone he doesn’t want is being forced on him.”
On Friday, a report from The Athletic stated that INEOS would like to replace Van der Gaag as Ten Haag’s assistant.
Ten Haag is unlikely to respond positively to such a move, and it is a question that will definitely need to be resolved.
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