Erik ten Hag has revealed there are no guarantees he will agree a new contract with Manchester United after admitting talks are unlikely to prove straightforward.
United opted to keep faith with Ten Hag after speaking with half a dozen other managers about potentially replacing the Dutchman.
Old Trafford officials eventually flew to Ibiza, where Ten Hag has been on holiday, to hold talks with the manager following a two-and-a-half-week review and are now looking to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season.
But Ten Hag – who insisted United’s discussions with other managers would not have been permitted in Holland – says a new deal is not a given.
“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract,” said Ten Hag, who was speaking as a pundit on Dutch TV station NOS as a pundit for England’s Euro 2024 game with Serbia. “This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.”
Ten Hag wants Ineos to demonstrate a long-term commitment to him and is expecting a two-year extension to his current contract. But there are other potential hurdles to navigate, not least around his influence over transfers, the team’s playing and the make up of his coaching staff, that could require compromises on both sides before an agreement is reached.
It also remains to be seen if United’s new hierarchy seek to make Ten Hag “head coach” as opposed to his current title of manager, another possible obstacle.
United spoke to at least six managers before deciding to stick with Ten Hag, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino and Marco Silva. They have resolved by mid-May to sack Ten Hag only to row back from that and ultimately determined that a change came attached with more risk. United finished eighth last season, their lowest league finish for 34 years, but ended the campaign on a high with victory in the FA Cup, Ten Hag’s second trophy in as many seasons at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag doubted United’s talks with prospective replacements would have been allowed in his own country.
“Here in Holland this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here,” he said. “But in England, they have different rules and laws. 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 have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag revealed that he expects Luke Shaw to be available for England after the group stages should Gareth Southgate’s side progress that far. The United left-back has been in a race to prove his fitness after injury.
“Luke Shaw will start playing once England get out of the group stages,” Ten Hag said.
He also suggested United forward Marcus Rashford and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish paid the price for their poor club form by being omitted by Southgate.
“Grealish and Rashford were both lacking this season,” he said. “And when you are lacking, you risk not getting picked for your country.”