Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to hold a key meeting with incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co.
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Ten Hag to hold discussions with RatcliffeSquad overhaul remains on the agendaCoach is confident that he will stay onWHAT HAPPENED?
Ten Hag is under increased scrutiny following a disappointing Champions League campaign that saw Manchester United finish at the bottom of the group. The pressure intensifies with an upcoming crucial match against Liverpool, a team that handed them a 7-0 defeat in the previous campaign at Anfield.
However, according to the manager remains confident that he will be allowed to present his vision to the club's new regime. The Dutch manager anticipates the opportunity to outline his plans for a squad overhaul in the upcoming summer while meeting the could-be director of sport, Dave Brailsford, signalling a potential significant clear-out. Whereas, a potential meeting with Ratcliffe remains on the cards in the future if he can revive the fortunes of the club.
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While Ten Hag remains optimistic, he is aware that improved results are crucial to gaining trust from the new leadership. There is little doubt about the ongoing support for him despite ending up losing 12 of the 24 matches played this campaign, but it can erode quickly if things do not change for the better.
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To kickstart the squad overhaul, Ten Hag is reportedly open to offloading players like Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Casemiro, and Tyrell Malacia. Sancho is being linked with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund whereas Van de Beek is being monitored by several top-flight European sides including Juventus. However, it is understood that Varane can leave as a free agent in the summer.
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United's extensive injury list and the distraction of takeover talks contribute to the on-field struggles. Nonetheless, despite a tough week with defeats to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich, Ten Hag might be catapulted to a more secure platform if he can beat Jurgen Klopp's men on Sunday. The three points would be a massive step in his efforts to salvage the season and a more promising future for the Red Devils.