Erik ten Hag finally looks set to become the new manager at Man United. However, there may be a couple of obstacles to get past before any contract is signed.
Man United have had the Dutchman at the top of their managerial shortlist for months on end. Now, reports of productive discussions on a compensation figure of around £1.7 million makes Ten Hag a bargain option. By comparison, fellow favourite Mauricio Pochettino would cost much more to take from Paris Saint-Germain.
Read: Mauricio Pochettino: The key dispute preventing his Man United appointment.
As a result, Man United may give the Ajax boss the chance to turn around the club after a difficult season. To signal their commitment, United will provide the Dutchman with a massive transfer budget to overhaul the squad.
He seems happy to take on the seemingly tricky challenge – provided that United can meet a pair of reported conditions.
The two guarantees for Ten Hag
Speaking to Sky Sports, Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan outlined what Erik ten Hag would need guaranteed should he become Man United manager.
“Erik ten Hag wants two major guarantees,” he explained.
“One of them is a backroom staff which will fit him, which will fit United, and which is good for him in a total set-up of changing the club’s philosophy and identity.
“The other one is [to have] guarantees on freedom with his management of players. I mean, there are players who are older, who have massive experience, like Cristiano Ronaldo. But what happens if he [Ten Hag] wants to change the playing style, which suits far more very young players? This is what he has done at Ajax.”
It seems that Erik ten Hag wants to create wholesale change at the club without interference from executives. If United want to turn around their fortunes, a dramatic shift in direction may be what they need to compete again.
However, his wish for total control over players and selection could be problematic for Ralf Rangnick. Rumours suggest the German will take on a director of football role at United. With these requests, it seems that Ten Hag would want as little input as possible from such a position.
What players will Erik ten Hag want as Man United manager?
Van der Kraan also detailed the players that the current Ajax boss may swipe to join him in Manchester. He picked out two talents in particular.
“Ajax fans would be gutted to see Ten Hag leave,” said Van der Kraan. “But they would be even more gutted if he takes two of their best players.
“One is the defender Jurrien Timber, who’s made his debut for the Dutch national team. He’s been excellent and rapidly developing. A quick thinker, quick on the ball, and very very quick feet like most Ajax players. Timber is a massive talent who he would like to take.”
Jurrien Timber has played in 25 of Ajax’s 28 Eredivisie games this season, at the heart of an impressive defence. The Amsterdam side has conceded just 14 goals so far in the league.
But who is the second player?
“The other one, who is maybe the most expensive one, is Antony, the Brazilian forward,” revealed the journalist.
“He would probably cost between 70 and 90 million pounds, and I don’t know whether that is the kind of player Manchester United will still go for under Ten Hag. He prefers young players who he can still form and change.”
If and when Erik ten Hag is announced as Man United manager, fans can expect a lot of change at the club.
