5 months ago
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Erik ten Hag made three key demands during talks with Manchester United chiefs before committing to signing a new contract.
The Dutchman’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new-look backroom team sounding out a number potential replacements.
After the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino opted against working under the new structure that has been put in place by INEOS, United have belatedly nailed their colours to Ten Hag’s mast.
The 54-year-old is currently on holiday but is understood to be close to putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension.
Winning the FA Cup in such uplifting fashion has undoubtedly strengthened his bargaining hand and, according to The Sun, Ten Hag felt emboldened enough to make a series of requests during negotiations.
The most significant of which centres on Jadon Sancho, with Ten Hag adamant the England international has no future under him.
After a reputation enhancing loan spell at Borussia Dortmund United will hope to recoup a significant fee given there appears to be no way back for him at his parent club having failed to apologise to his manager.
Ten Hag is also seeking a new contract for Benni McCarthy with a key member of his coaching team nearing the end of his current deal.
The former Ajax boss is also wary of the influence wielded by new technical director Jason Wilcox and will not be dictated to over playing style, although he was said to have accepted that deploying Bruno Fernandes as a false nine against City was advice worthy of following.
United will now press ahead with their summer recruitment drive and will hope to have made significant progress by the time they return for their pre-season campaign.
The Red Devils play Rosenborg in Norway on 15 July, the day after the Euro 2024, so not every member of the first team squad will be available and Ten Hag intends to blood some youngsters who he believes are already ready to play in the senior side.
‘We have a strong first-team squad there with players that can present themselves to the fans,’ Ten Hag told Manchester United club media. ‘But especially to us. They have the levels to play in our team for next season.
‘There will be a mix, with experienced players together with some young players.
‘[The squad will be] as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved.
‘Pre-season is about preparing for the season and we have to make that our next step. It is one of the only times when you have the team together, and you can work in training on structures, the way of play, but also on certain standards around the team and that’s very important to take this period and use it effectively.
‘We will bring players like Kobbie, who was very unknown by that time, and now everyone knows him.
‘So if you want to have the first glimpse of players – maybe new players or young players who are coming up through the Academy, then this is your opportunity.’
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