Manchester United is reportedly planning to initiate discussions with manager Erik ten Hag regarding a new contract, as per information from 90min. Ten Hag assumed the managerial role at United in 2022, and in his debut season, the team secured a third-place finish in the Premier League and clinched the Carabao Cup.
While United has recently secured two wins in as many days, the new campaign has posed challenges, marked by four losses and a range of off-field issues. They managed to secure a 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Ten Hag’s existing contract with Manchester United is set to run until June 2025, with an option for an additional year’s extension.
It has been indicated that discussions about an extension were always planned for approximately 18 months after the initial agreement was established. The club’s leadership has reportedly been in contact with Ten Hag’s representatives and intends to continue with him as the manager.
The Glazer family announced ten months ago that they were “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives” concerning the club’s ownership or potential investment. This process has introduced instability for both the club and its staff.
Chief Executive Richard Arnold has taken charge of the management procedures since assuming office and has been working to execute player and staff contract renewals in a customary manner. This was demonstrated when Marcus Rashford signed a new long-term contract over the summer, and it’s now expected that discussions will commence with Ten Hag.
Despite recent challenges and off-field turmoil, Ten Hag is believed to be highly content with the support of Arnold and John Murtough, who continue to endorse him. They view Ten Hag as the ideal individual to lead United forward and have recently demonstrated their backing for the 53-year-old, particularly during a public dispute with Jadon Sancho.
The club sought Ten Hag’s involvement to establish and enforce standards, as the Dutchman himself acknowledged that there was a lack of a positive culture prior to his arrival from Ajax. The management stands firmly behind Ten Hag, despite significant financial and wage investments made in Sancho in 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo left the team after a public altercation with Ten Hag last year, and Harry Maguire recently lost his captaincy. The club regards Ten Hag as pivotal in maintaining discipline and cohesion among players and staff amidst the turmoil related to the club’s ownership.
Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim remain contenders to purchase United from the Glazer family, they have not yet received a response.
The Raine Group, which is overseeing the takeover process on behalf of the Glazers, is awaiting feedback from the family concerning the status of proposals made for United. It is believed that they are waiting for a comprehensive deal to reach a valuation of £6 billion.
