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Manchester United’s leadership is setting firm boundaries with agents, particularly those seen as positioning their clients as potential replacements for manager Erik ten Hag, reports Rob Dawson from ESPN.
The team’s management is sticking by Ten Hag following a recent 1-0 victory over Luton Town, a win that came just before the November international break. This support comes despite a challenging start to the season, with the team suffering nine losses in 18 matches.
However, Ten Hag’s success last season, which included a third-place finish in the Premier League and a Carabao Cup win, has sustained the confidence of senior figures at the club.
ESPN has revealed that United’s higher-ups are growing weary of agents trying to propose their coaching clients for Ten Hag’s role. This frustration led to the cancellation of a meeting with the agent of a prominent, currently unemployed manager, amid concerns that the discussion would veer towards Ten Hag’s job security.
The recent period has been a mixed bag for Ten Hag’s United, with wins against Fulham and Luton in the Premier League, but a 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Despite these ups and downs, the club’s leadership is noticing positive developments.
The club is also bracing for the impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending investment, which could bring significant changes at various levels. Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of INEOS, is nearing a deal to acquire a 25% stake in the club. This move might grant him a say in football operations, casting some doubt on the future of current football director John Murtough.
Ratcliffe, along with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, has been critical of United’s recruitment strategies over the past ten years and is eager to revamp these processes. Although impressed by Ten Hag’s work since his appointment in 2022, they are concerned about the team’s recent dip in form.
