Managerial Situation
Currently, Manchester United officials have undergone a formal interview with current Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag. The interview went very positively, with Manchester United being very impressed by his English level, and the manager’s ideas of football. Ten Hag has also been asking about his guarantees, such as transfer budgets, player contract renewal etc, should he eventually become the official permanent manager. The meeting went very positively and Manchester United will soon have this managerial process over. The board eventually chose to go with the Dutchman. Ralf Rangnick is also a big fan of the Erik Ten Hag. He has given his opinion to the board, and is pushing the board to bring in the Dutchman. Talks are being scheduled very soon again, for the Dutchman. As of now, the deal is more than advanced but not done yet.
Manchester United also made brief contact with current Paris-Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino. It was not an interview, just brief talks between Manchester United officials and the Argentine. He and Ten Hag are seen as the two main contenders for the vacant position at the club. Many PSG board members do not expect Mauricio Pochettino to be at the club beyond this season, after a very disappointing season for the French club. However, PSG would rather part ways with Pochettino themselves, rather than have it done by another club appointing the Argentine, therefore making the situation quite complicated.
As with Luis Enrique and Julien Lopetegui, both managers are committed to their current position, making it very difficult to see any of the two Spaniards managing United.
Manchester United expect to finalise the process of searching for a new permanent manager by late April, and to inform the squad of the future manager.
Ralf Ragnick asked by the media about the managerial saga, he responded: “I know they [Man Utd board] have spoken to some people but so far we haven’t spoken about the experience and the impressions they have got from those meetings”
Summer Transfer Window
Contracts - Bruno Fernandes has renewed his contract with Manchester United until 2026, with an increased weekly wage also. His contract renewal was seen as a priority for the club as he is a key player.
The club will soon start talks with Luke Shaw’s camp. The club also want to renew the defender’s contract this year. A potential offer running up until 2026 is being thought of by the board as they believe in the player, after a wonderful season last year.
Outgoings - The club expect the definite departure of the two senior players, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata. Donny Van de Beek likely to remain at the club, should Erik Ten Hag be appointed Manchester United manager. Paul Pogba’s future is undecided as of yet. The midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola has been in contact with PSG and Juventus regarding offers for the Frenchman. Both club are very interested in the player and have already briefly enquired.
Incomings - Manchester United are in the market for a striker and midfielder this summer. The board have the priority to strengthen the midfield first. Many names are on the list such as, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Amadou Haidara, Ruben Neves and Declan Rice. With the potential outgoing of Paul Pogba, the club understand they must strengthen in that area with a top proven midfielder.
With the potential departure of Martial who has hinted that he could leave permanently at the end of the season, in search of a new start elsewhere and the highly likely departure of Cavani, the club feel it is needed that they reinforce the attack with a new No.9. The club have identified Luka Jovic, Dominic Calvert Lewin, Harry Kane, and Darwin Nunez.
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