The former Ajax coach is not kidding, starting his role early in order to really assess the weight of the task at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag’s decision to work early at Manchester United contributed to canceling the role of consultant Ralf Rangnick.
The German confirmed this week that he will not be a consultant at Old Trafford after being appointed coach of the Austrian national team.
Man United did describe it as a joint decision – but, crucially, they believe they can operate well without Rangnick’s transfer expertise after Director of Football John Murtough implemented various changes in recent months.
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They are also confident that they are far ahead because Ten Hag have started pre-season planning since early May.
The Dutchman held a meeting with Murtough in Amsterdam on 12 May, where they discussed the need for a transfer – and then turned his full attention to his new job immediately after his last game as Ajax manager on 15 May.
Given that David Moyes will have to wait until July 1 to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor after finishing his contract with Everton, United officials hope Ten Hag’s persistence gives them the best opportunity to step on the gas.
This situation was seen as a contributing factor to Rangnick’s cancellation – a role which required their former interim coach to work six days a month as a consultant.
His knowledge of the transfer market was originally expected to be a key part of his job – but after overhauling the recruitment department, including getting rid of the chief scout (chief scout), Jim Lawlor, and Chief Global Talent Scout (Head of Global Scouting), Marcel Bout, it was finally decided that Rangnick’s expertise was unnecessary.
Ten Hag already has a clear idea of the players to sign this summer – midfielders and strikers the priority – while he and Murtough are said to be one voice.
Murtough also appointed a deputy in Andy O’Boyle to further strengthen the recruitment post.
Worth noting, Man United have no intention of following Rangnick’s suggestion that they need 10 new players.
Ten Hag could sign five names this summer – believing all areas need to be polished – but he is also confident that the squad that finished second in the 2019/20 season still has hidden potential behind their disorganized form over the past year.
He was not involved in the departures of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata this week – but agrees with Murtough that their squad is overweight and needs to go on a diet.
Edinson Cavani has also left, while Nemanja Matic is also leaving. Frenkie de Jong is the main target for the midfield.
Man United have a long-term interest in Declan Rice – but his £150m fee is likely to put them off, as The Red Devils reluctant to pay a high price – while Calvin Phillips is also considered.
Darwin Nunez was greatly admired, as was Jurrien Timber.
Ten Hag is currently on holiday and will return for pre-season training on 27 June.
His arrival is also said to bring a new shock to Man United after taking the time to meet staff at Old Trafford and Carrington as much as possible.
He was nicknamed “New Sheriff” or “New Policeman”.
His first four days in England were spent working at United’s offices in London Mayfair before watching the final game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
When he left the stadium – 10 minutes before the end of the game so he could fly to Manchester – he still didn’t know if he would coach a Europa League or Europa Conference League team next season, as United are 1-0 down and need another result if they are to stay in the Champions League. rank six.
The staff at Man United were blown away by how welcoming the new manager was, as he shook hands and mingled with them as he toured Old Trafford with Murtough.
Outside, he took time to meet fans and pose for selfie. It was his first visit to Theatre of Dreams in any capacity.
He still hasn’t met the players.
Ten Hag also took the time to greet the media crew before his inauguration press conference.
Sure, it’s just a small thing – but he knows how important it is to get everyone by his side in this super tough job.
Of all Ferguson’s successors, perhaps only Moyes appreciates these ‘trivial’ things, with Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer always building distances with others.
Before leaving for vacation, the Ten Hag started the hunt for a new home. There is no longer a story like when Mourinho stayed at the Lowry Hotel throughout his tenure.
