Manchester United have made the decision to keep Erik ten Hag as manager following an end of season review. The Dutch coach will now be given money in the transfer window to compete with Liverpool for several key signings.
New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke with several potential successors, including Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino, about potentially taking charge for the 2024/25 season – but Ten Hag will now remain in the role following his FA Cup success.
According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils boss will now be given around $64million (£50m/€59m) as a base-level transfer budget – but this could be increased through various player sales. Various outlets have reported that every United player other than Rasmus Højlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho is for sale, as the club looks to rejuvenate the squad that finished eighth last season.
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United putting together a significant war chest for the summer transfer window would ring alarm bells at Liverpool, with both clubs already being linked with several of the same players. Old Trafford and Anfield have both been touted as possible landing destinations for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who impressed under Xabi Alonso during the Bundesliga title-winning campaign.
As well as the versatile Netherlands international, Benfica’s 19-year-old prospect João Neves has also been linked with clubs – although the $130m (£101m/€120m) release clause could prove to be a stumbling block for any interested party.
Elsewhere, Ligue 1 side Lille has recently opened the door for 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro to leave as he approaches the final year of his contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. United and Liverpool will both need defensive reinforcements in the coming months and could go head-to-head to secure the signing shortly.
For now, Liverpool holds the upper hand in negotiations as it is unlikely that United would be able to compete for any of these signings currently given the limited $64m (£50m/€59m) budget Ten Hag has to work with – until sales are made. The window is set to open on June 14 and with no exits on the horizon, Liverpool can push ahead in negotiations and secure the targets first.
Liverpool.com says: If Liverpool can secure targets that other Premier League teams are pursuing, it could strengthen the push for glory next season while simultaneously damaging the chances of other teams around the top flight of English football.