Erik ten Hag is in line to be given a new Manchester United contract - regardless of who owns the club.
Ten Hag has had such a profound impact in his first year at Old Trafford that plans are already being drawn up to offer an extension on the three-year deal he signed last summer. The Glazer family who have owned United since May 2005 are currently involved in negotiations to sell-up for £6billion.
Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe and representatives working for Qatar ’s Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Than ratcheted up their interest in taking over by visiting Manchester for talks during the week. But the Glazers have made it clear that it is business as usual while the process is ongoing.
United have indicated to Ten Hag that they want to reward him for the progress he has made during his short time at the club. And the feedback from Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group and Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation is that both bidders believe Ten Hag is the right manager to bring back the glory days.
Ratcliffe was introduced to Ten Hag on Friday when he was given a tour of the club’s Carrington training ground. Ten Hag signed a three-year deal worth £27 million last summer, with the option of a further 12-month extension.
RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club hammered 7-0 by Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night, were ready to offer the Dutchman more money.
But while the 53-year-old was impressed by Leipzig’s offer and has previous experience of working in Germany as coach of Bayern Munich’s reserve team, he was compelled to accept United’s offer.
He will be rewarded for that decision and subsequent success in guiding United back along the road to success in the summer. United lifted their first trophy in six years when they won the Carabao Cup last month.
They face Fulham in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, will meet Sevilla in the last eight of the Europa League and are well placed to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Ten Hag has impressed with the way he has instilled a philosophy at the club and restored discipline to the dressing room. His ruthless handling of Cristiano Ronaldo is seen as a masterstroke of management - and the players have responded.
