Manchester United Set to Finalize Erik ten Hag’s £27m Deal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is on the brink of securing a new contract, signaling a significant shift for the club as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Despite a lackluster performance last season, which saw United finish eighth in the Premier League, the FA Cup victory against Manchester City secured their place in the Europa League and provided a glimmer of hope. This outcome prompted a thorough review by co-owners Ineos, who, after considering alternative managerial options including Thomas Tuchel, opted to retain Ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s Contract Renewal
Reports from the Mirror indicate that Ten Hag is close to agreeing to a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027. This new deal, worth nearly £27 million, comes with performance-based clauses and is expected to be finalized by the end of the week.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
A key aspect of Ten Hag’s new contract includes a revamp of United’s coaching staff. Notably, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to join the backroom team, bringing his expertise and connection to the club.
Strategic Adjustments
Under the current agreement, Ten Hag is believed to be earning £9 million annually. His tenure, which began in 2022, has seen him win the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. Despite these successes, structural changes are anticipated, with Ineos pushing for a head coach model rather than a traditional managerial role. This shift would see a sporting director, likely Dan Ashworth, oversee transfers while Ten Hag focuses on coaching duties.
Future Prospects
The appointment of technical director Jason Wilcox is also part of the broader strategy to develop a cohesive playing style across all levels of the club. This unified approach aims to align the first team and the academy, ensuring a consistent philosophy and pathway for player development.
Ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United involves close collaboration but insists on having control over transfers, a condition he deems essential for his role. With Ineos’s backing, these upcoming changes promise to reshape Manchester United’s future, setting the stage for what could be a transformative season ahead.