Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is determined to retain his influence in the club’s recruitment decisions, even after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment is approved. According to a source close to the matter, Ten Hag, who has held a veto on all transfers since joining as manager in 2022, wants to ensure he remains a key part of the decision-making process at Old Trafford. Despite questions regarding the club’s transfer policy under Ten Hag’s leadership, most notably the €100 million ($105m) signing of Antony from his former club Ajax, the Dutchman is eager to continue having a significant say in the players that come and go.
While Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport at INEOS, the company chaired by Ratcliffe, aims to revamp Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, Ten Hag is keen to establish that his influence remains intact. The INEOS team is expected to assume control of football operations upon the completion of Ratcliffe’s $1.3 billion deal to acquire a 25% stake in the club. This impending change in ownership structure has raised uncertainties about Ten Hag’s position, but he believes his contractual veto on transfers should be honored, despite the alteration at the top of the football department.
Before the deal is officially ratified, Ten Hag is scheduled to have meetings with Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and other members of the INEOS team. These discussions will likely determine the extent to which Ten Hag’s role remains influential in shaping Manchester United’s future squad. Brailsford, who had previously visited the club’s training ground, Carrington, subsequent to the announcement of Ratcliffe’s agreement to purchase shares from the Glazer Family, was present at recent matches against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Ratcliffe himself has also visited Old Trafford and is set to hold meetings at Carrington in the near future.
Following the announcement of INEOS’ investment, Ten Hag expressed his willingness to work with the company. He highlighted his enthusiasm for the forthcoming discussions and meetings, emphasizing the positive nature of the collaboration. Ten Hag’s eagerness to cooperate with INEOS and his desire to maintain his influence in Manchester United’s recruitment decisions indicate his determination to shape the club’s future in accordance with his vision. The upcoming negotiations will serve as a crucial test for both parties to find a common ground that aligns with their respective objectives.
Erik ten Hag’s determination to retain his influence in Manchester United’s recruitment decisions sets the stage for interesting negotiations with INEOS. As the club undergoes potential changes in ownership and the football department, Ten Hag’s desire to have a significant say in transfers and player movements reinforces his commitment to shaping the future of the club. The upcoming meetings between Ten Hag and the INEOS team will prove pivotal in determining the extent to which the Dutchman’s influence will be maintained at Old Trafford. Only time will tell whether a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached, allowing Ten Hag’s aspirations for Manchester United’s recruitment to align with the revamped strategy envisioned by INEOS.