Manchester United’s summer transfer window has yet to properly ignite but a major deal could be about to be sealed.
United require a massive squad rebuild over the next two months, with various parts of the squad under scrutiny. While three key positions – centre-back, central midfield and a striker – have been identified, more incomings are expected after a difficult season that saw the club finish in eighth position in the Premier League.
That disappointment was offset by winning the FA Cup in the final game of the 2023/24 season over Man City, to ensure Europa League qualification. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent co-owners Ineos launching a review into manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman was expected to lose his job, but after assessing the situation and speaking to several other managers – including Thomas Tuchel – Ineos decided to keep faith with Ten Hag for the new campaign.
READ MORE: Ruud van Nistelrooy considering joining coaching staff
And now, the 54-year-old looks set to land a new contract. Erik ten Hag is closing in on a new contract that will keep him at Manchester United until 2027.
The Mirror has reported that Ten Hag has secured a two-year contract extension worth almost £27m, despite being on the brink of the sack just a couple of weeks ago. The former Ajax chief has apparently agreed the new deal in principle following talks with club bosses.
United and Ten Hag’s representatives are understood to be finalising the terms of the new deal, which should be confirmed this week, according to the Mirror. It will include clauses in it relating to both his and the team’s performance.
Part of the new deal will include a shake-up of United’s coaching staff, with former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy set to return to the club as part of Ten Hag’s backroom team.
Ten Hag is believed to be on a salary of £9m under his current contract. Ten Hag took over as manager in 2022 and has since won two trophies in two seasons – the Carabao Cup in 2023 followed by the FA Cup triumph over City.
Issues surrounding a new contract are believed to include the job title, with Ineos preferring a structure which has a head coach rather than a manager. Ten Hag has the final say on signings, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a sporting director to oversee transfers.
READ MORE: Ineos fingerprints are all over Manchester United transfer targets
Speaking in 2022, Ten Hag said: “I am ultimately responsible and accounted for the results. I don’t want to be the sole ruler, I stand for cooperation, but control in transfers is a condition for me.”
Ratcliffe has decided United’s incoming sporting director – United remain in talks with Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave with Newcastle United – will lead on recruitment and the head coach will then report to him. Ratcliffe has also appointed technical director Jason Wilcox to draw up a ‘game model’ for a playing style to be implemented across the club, from the first-team to the academy.