Erik ten Hag will work in INEOS' new Man Utd system. (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are reportedly aligned on a major change that could have been a crucial factor in the decision to retain him as manager. The Dutchman looks set to return to a different set-up under the INEOS regime when he begins pre-season preparations in the coming weeks.
At certain points it seemed likely that Ten Hag wouldn't return to Carrington at all following a disastrous second season of his reign.
But United's spirited FA Cup triumph against Manchester City salvaged the campaign and may have been a decisive factor in the decision to allow him a third year.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have sparked significant off-field change at Old Trafford since their £1.3billion investment in the club became official in February.
A structural shake-up has seen a change of chief executive, sporting director and technical director, which fuelled an expectation that INEOS would also change the club's manager.
Another source of doubt about Ten Hag's prospects was United's fresh desire to operate with a head coach who solely focuses on the training pitch and match selection.
INEOS are said to want to remove the manager title given to Sir Alex Ferguson and all five of his successors.
Erik ten Hag is staying at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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As manager, Ten Hag has had a significant say in the day-to-day running of United and particularly the club's recruitment since his 2022 arrival, splashing over £400m in two years.
The Dutchman has enjoyed vastly mixed success in the transfer market, but there were concerns over whether he would agree to relinquish his control as part of United's new structure.
However, according to i Sport, the club believe that they are aligned with Ten Hag after holding talks before and after his holiday, from which he has now returned.
The report adds that the 54-year-old will now take a back seat in the transfer window, allowing United's new-look recruitment team to carry out their streamlined plan.
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Ten Hag will, of course, have a say in the areas of his squad he wants to strengthen. But rather than identifying targets himself, he now looks set to work from shortlists provided by the club's higher-ups.
Technical director Jason Wilcox has reportedly been leading transfer plans ahead of the window opening on Friday, the same day as Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany.
Director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves and chief scout Steve Brown are also said to have played a central role while United await chief executive Omar Berrada's July 13 start date.
Dan Ashworth is expected to lead recruitment once he lands at Old Trafford from Newcastle United. However, he won't be involved in this summer's business if no compensation package is agreed with the Magpies.
