Reasons for INEOS to Retain Ten Hag
As the 2024/2025 season approaches, Manchester United appear poised to continue with Erik ten Hag as their manager. This forthcoming season will be the first full campaign under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, and while the complete overhaul of the club’s structure is still underway, there are promising signs for the Old Trafford faithful. Key appointments, including Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Jean-Claude Blanc, and the anticipated addition of Dan Ashworth, have already injected a sense of optimism.
This summer presents an opportunity for Ratcliffe to significantly enhance United’s squad, potentially altering the extent of Ten Hag’s influence over player recruitment. The aim is to position the team to compete at the highest levels, possibly resulting in fewer signings similar to Antony and Sofyan Amrabat. For now, the focus remains on concluding the Premier League season with dignity and aiming for a European competition spot, despite the slim chances of securing a Champions League position, alongside preparations for this month’s FA Cup final.
According to The Athletic, INEOS considers that the previous United executive team did not offer Ten Hag the best possible environment for success. They also note a lack of compelling alternatives to Ten Hag and view the financial implications of ending his tenure early as prohibitive. Nevertheless, Ratcliffe and his team have indicated they will not hesitate to make a change if they see convincing evidence that it is necessary.
Greenwood Set for Summer Exit
Manchester United are preparing to offload Mason Greenwood permanently once the 2023/2024 season concludes. The club had previously planned to reintegrate the 22-year-old into the squad, but fan backlash led to a reversal of that decision, and it was announced that Greenwood would continue his career away from Old Trafford.
Greenwood had not featured in competitive football since being charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022. These charges were later dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence emerged. Following this, Greenwood completed a season-long loan move to Getafe last September. He quickly regained his form, becoming a regular starter and contributing 10 goals and six assists across all competitions.
Despite Getafe’s eagerness to retain Greenwood, they are unlikely to afford a permanent transfer. Manchester United value their academy graduate at £40 million, with Football Insider reporting that the board is determined to sever ties with Greenwood amid significant interest from top European clubs. Greenwood’s contract is set to expire in 2025, though United have the option to extend it by a year until 2026. This extension might be utilised to maximise the transfer fee.
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