- The Manchester United manager is reportedly set to sign a contract extension
- Erik ten Hag has been negotiating a new deal since his stay was confirmed
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Gary Lineker is wrong to claim journalists are ‘too scared’ to ask challenging questions
Erik ten Hag is set to sign a new deal at Manchester United with an extension between the two parties now close to being agreed, according to reports.
The Dutchman was believed to be facing the sack at Old Trafford prior to United’s FA Cup final triumph over derby rivals Man City and a new contract has been a priority since his stay was confirmed.
Ten Hag has won two trophies in his first two seasons at United amid the backdrop of uncertainty at the club that was largely caused by the ownership takeover that eventually ended with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS acquiring a stake in the 13-time Premier League champions.
INEOS have been given sporting control at United and led talks with Ten Hag over extending his stay, with negotiations now at an advanced stage and set to be concluded this week, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The majority of demands have already been agreed and Ten Hag’s representatives are now waiting to finalise remaining personal terms with the Man United head coach.
The news will come as a relief to fans who were previously unnerved by the 54-year-old’s comments suggesting a deal wouldn’t be easy while covering Euro 2024 on Dutch television.
Stating at the time of England’s opening European Championship win over Serbia, Ten Hag said: ‘Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.
‘United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.’
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Now a deal that will extend Ten Hag’s stay in England’s northwest is closer than ever after he entered the final 12 months of his initial three-year contract.
Ten Hag is likely to receive an increase on his current salary of £9m-per-year having successfully delivered silverware in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during two seasons at the club.
However, the Dutchman is expected to make new changes to his backroom team in the wake of his contract extension after deciding some new staff were needed following a dismal Premier League season.
Ten Hag was unable to stop his United side being dismantled by injuries to key players last season and saw his future at the club consistently debated in the public eye after INEOS’ investment was confirmed at the start of the year.
Amongst the changes is the expected arrival of United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy who has been offered a chance to join Ten Hag’s coaching team for the following season.
The move would be popular amongst supporters who remember the Dutchman as one of the Premier League’s greatest strikers following his exploits at United where he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances across all competitions.
Van Nistelrooy is a potential replacement for Ten Hag’s assistant Mitchell van der Gaag or forwards coach Benni McCarthy, whose contract runs out at the end of the month.
Despite emerging as a leading contender to replace Vincent Kompany as Burnley manager, it’s understood that Van Nistelrooy is interested in returning to United.
Attention at Old Trafford will quickly turn to the transfer market once all elements of Ten Hag’s contract are finalised, with United keen to bring in several reinforcements.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
