Erik ten Hag is already working on the future of Manchester United’s players, between taking responsibility for Ajax matches.
United respect Ten Hag’s commitments in the Netherlands in the middle of a title race – his side beat PEC Zwolle 3-0 yesterday – but on days off he is in regular contact with the football department led by John Murtough and Darren Fletcher.
The future manager will have a key role in deciding whether United’s players without a contract will be offered deals to stay before ending his stay in Amsterdam on 15 May.
Erik ten Hag is going to Manchester United, but the club respects his Ajax role
Paul Pogba is among the players who are out of contract at United at the end of the season
So far, there has been no strong indication from Ten Hag that Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani – all to leave the summer – should be secured.
Instead, there is a belief that freeing up space in the squad will allow the 52-year-old to make four or five signings.
In addition, Andreas Pereira, Anthony Martial and James Garner are all available to return from loans.
United technical director Darren Fletcher will play a key role in the club under Ten Hag
The former player Fletcher is set to play a more visible role in United’s recruitment process this summer.
Matt Judge, who often led meetings with potential targets and their agents, is leaving United, and Fletcher will take over some of those responsibilities.
The Scot has won several trophies with United playing under Sir Alex Ferguson and is in a good position to excite potential recruits about what it means to play for the club.
