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Erik ten Hag 'expects to still have final say on transfers at Manchester United'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 October 2023

Ten Hag 'expects to still have final say on transfers at Man United'

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag allegedly expects to still have the final say on transfers even if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over the football operations at Old Trafford.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly still expecting to have the final say on transfers at the club even if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over the football operations at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is set to purchase 25% of the Red Devils for around £1.4bn, and the British billionaire is seemingly preparing to take control of all sporting decisions at the club moving forward.

As it stands, Ten Hag and the recruitment department must both agree on new signings, but there had been claims that the structure would change with Ratcliffe's arrival.

According to The Telegraph, though, the club's head coach is expecting that he will still have the final say when it comes to transfer policy at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe has beaten off competition from main competitor Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his 25% stake in the club is expected to be announced over the next few weeks once all aspects have been agreed.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag was asked about the possible reconstructing of the football department during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with Sheffield United.

The Dutchman said that he was "not involved" at this stage of proceedings, with his sole focus on improving the team's performances and results in the coming weeks.

"So, at this moment, I'm not involved, so I don't know. What I know are the agreements I made once I signed this contract," the head coach told reporters.

"And until I hear anything, I just keep focusing on my job and focusing in this structure and focusing on my job. And that is winning games and get the best out of the season."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag's role at Man United is not expected to be under threat with Ratcliffe's arrival, while the Dutchman still allegedly has the full support of the club despite a poor start to the season.

Man United have lost six of their 11 matches in all competitions this term, including four in the Premier League, with the team down in 10th position in the table.

The Red Devils managed to record a 2-1 victory over Brentford before the international break, though, and they will now be eyeing successive wins in Saturday's clash with Sheffield United.

Ratcliffe is believed to be keen for the 20-time English champions to be active during the January transfer window, but the owner and founder of INEOS might not be able to make a significant impact until next season.