Man Utd were 'hours' away from losing transfer target to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp chat
Manchester United chiefs are planning to begin talks with Erik ten Hag over a new and improved contract at Old Trafford, according to reports. The Dutchman enjoyed a relatively successful debut season in charge last time around, achieving a top-four finish in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils have since made an underwhelming start to the new campaign, winning just three of their opening six league matches. Despite this, it seems clear that United’s higher powers still believe Ten Hag is the right man for the job on a long-term basis.
Discussions over a new and improved deal are being planned, according to 90min, with Ten Hag’s existing contract set to run until the summer of 2025. There is an option to extend by a further year but renewal talks were reportedly always going to be pencilled in for around 18 months into his initial deal.
United’s hierarchy are thought to have already touched base with Ten Hag’s representatives over the possibility of holding formal talks in the near future. Chief executive Richard Arnold is said to be pressing ahead with contract renewals for players and staff despite the uncertainty fuelled by the ongoing takeover process, which is yet to reach a conclusion after 10 long months.
JUST IN: Chelsea crisis deepens as Pochettino gives injury update after Brighton win
Arnold is understood to be ‘very happy’ with Ten Hag, a view shared by United director of football John Murtough and other senior figures at Old Trafford. They believe that he is the right manager to lead the club forward and have reportedly shown their backing of the 53-year-old in his recent falling-out with Jadon Sancho.
It was previously reported that any new deal for Ten Hag would include a bumper payrise as a reward for the progress made by United under his guidance. He currently earns around £9million per year but would potentially be in line to see his salary increase to around £14m, putting him among the club’s highest earners.
United’s show of faith will represent a timely boost for Ten Hag, who has endured a rocky start to his second season in charge of the club. He has been relentless in his pursuit of higher standards at Old Trafford, though, and will continue to push for positive change for as long as he remains on their books.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Ben Doak wastes chance but Jurgen Klopp finds new dynamic duo in Leicester win[ANALYSIS]
Hannibal being ‘tracked by Sevilla’ as Erik ten Hag eyes new Man Utd contract[LATEST]
Chelsea star James charged by FA for using ‘abusive language’ towards official[NEWS]
Ten Hag recently explained that he is using Manchester City as a benchmark for his players, who have shown they can beat top sides but are yet to keep up with their cross-city rivals over the course of an entire season.
He told ESPN: “I think the improvements last year and the results were quite obvious, but also in the performances it was quite obvious that we could beat the big opponents, including City. In the three games [against them] you saw absolutely that we increased the levels.
“We have a competition with seven or eight clubs in the Premier League, across Europe even more teams, so we have to work on our way of play and improve our performance. It has to be optimum.”
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.
Source: Read Full Article