Erik ten Hag is set to engage in crucial discussions with the incoming INEOS leaders, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, in an effort to solidify his position at Manchester United. Amid increasing rumors of a potential replacement with Graham Potter, the under-fire manager is devising a transfer strategy to exhibit his suitability for the role.
Manchester United’s season has been fraught with difficulties, registering 12 losses in 24 matches across various competitions. This scrutiny comes at a time when significant changes are anticipated at Old Trafford, with a British billionaire on the brink of acquiring a 25 percent stake in the club. However, Sky Sports indicates that the final approval from the Premier League might take up to two months, delaying any definitive decision on Ten Hag’s future.
Continued poor results will not be overlooked, with indications from Ratcliffe’s involvement at French club Nice reflecting a history of frequent managerial changes. Amid suggestions of Julen Lopetegui as a potential replacement for Ten Hag, reports from The Sun and Sky Sports highlight Ratcliffe and Brailsford’s preference for Graham Potter, disregarding Potter’s previous unsuccessful tenure at Chelsea.
The Mirror’s latest update sheds light on Ten Hag’s efforts to remain at Old Trafford. The publication outlines Ten Hag’s plan to validate his managerial acumen by executing a substantial overhaul of underperforming players during the January transfer window.
Reportedly, key names like Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, and Donny van de Beek are on the chopping block, forming part of the group Ten Hag aims to offload. This clear-out includes players who collectively cost the club £229 million in transfer fees.
The Guardian has corroborated this information, adding that Van de Beek is also up for sale and the subject of ongoing discussions. The Independent, discussing United’s upcoming winter window, indicates Ten Hag’s intent to greenlight major exits contingent upon assurances for securing suitable replacements.
United’s shopping list reportedly includes a new center-back, with Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice valued at £40 million emerging as a prime target. Additionally, the search extends to a central midfielder to fill the void left by Casemiro and a striker to relieve the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund, with Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart), Timo Werner, and Lois Openda (both RB Leipzig) among those linked to the club.