Manchester United’s ongoing contract negotiations with Erik ten Hag are not just centered around the extension of his current deal, but also about his role in the club’s recruitment strategy. Sources close to the club have revealed that discussions will involve giving more responsibility to dedicated staff, including the newly appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth and other key figures. The shift towards a more structured recruitment process led by a team of experts signals a change in how transfers will be handled at the club.
In addition to recruitment, the make-up of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team is also up for discussion. With his current deal set to expire in 2025, there are talks about the future of his existing coaching staff, particularly the role of forwards coach Benni McCarthy. While Ten Hag would like McCarthy to stay, there is a possibility of bringing in an external coach to work alongside the existing assistants. This move is aimed at quickly implementing a “club-led game model” rather than one solely determined by the manager.
Redefined Role for Ten Hag
Under the new structure being proposed, Erik ten Hag would have a more hands-off approach to transfers and instead focus on managing and coaching a squad that is largely assembled for him. This shift in responsibility aligns with the vision of the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team at INEOS. While Ten Hag will still have a voice in the transfer process, the day-to-day recruitment work will be handled by a team of dedicated experts led by the sporting director and technical director.
As negotiations continue, the future of Manchester United under Erik ten Hag looks to be driven by a more collaborative approach to recruitment and coaching. The involvement of experienced professionals like Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox signal a new era for the club, where decisions are made collectively rather than by one individual. The potential addition of an external coach to the coaching staff could further enhance the team’s performance and help in the quick implementation of a cohesive game model.
By redefining Erik ten Hag’s role to focus more on coaching and management, Manchester United is poised to enter a new chapter in its development. The emphasis on structured recruitment and a collaborative coaching setup could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential and achieving success both on and off the field. As the negotiations progress, the evolution of Manchester United under Erik ten Hag continues to take shape, signaling a promising future for the club.