Erik ten Hag has cleared his desk in Amsterdam in preparation for his first duties as Manchester United manager.
After restoring Ajax to the top of the Eredivisie with three titles in four years, the 52-year-old will face a new challenge at Man United and beyond, which is expected to begin before the season is over. However, Ten Hag’s attention has already started to shift to the 2022/2023 season.
Numerous items are on the Dutchman’s agenda as he attempts to rekindle past glory. Here’s a rundown of what he might experience when it comes to his Man Utd checklist;
Catch up with current coach
United confirmed Ten Hag’s appointment last month, but interim manager Ralf Rangnick has said in press conferences and media appearances since then that he has yet to speak with the new coach. That will undoubtedly be Ten Hag’s first port of call as he seeks to gain insight into unfamiliar surroundings. Rangnick is expected to stay on as a consultant, and this upcoming conversation – about current players and targets, among other things – should be the first of many among these two men.
Choose which players to keep or sell
If you ask United fans who they would keep at Old Trafford in the future, they shouldn’t need a second hand to count them all on. Even though one or two others have shown glimpses, David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo are now the only two players who have emerged with genuine credit from this disastrous season. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Edinson Cavani are among those out of contract, and Nemanja Matic has already announced his departure. They will not, however, be the only outgoings.
Organize out his backroom personnel
The new manager’s appointment is part of a larger stir behind the scenes. Essential figures such as executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and transfer strategist Matt Judge will not be involved in the project going forward, but they must be replaced eventually. Richard Arnold has already been promoted in that regard, but more appointments will be made there and on the training facility as Ten Hag builds his coaching staff. Mitchell Van der Gaag, his Ajax assistant, has agreed to follow the main man to Manchester, and the two are predicted to be joined by a familiar figure in Steve McClaren.
Put an end to the Ronaldo rumour
Will he leave or stay? And this has been a lingering question for everyone connected with United – and many more who aren’t – but the truth is simple. Ronaldo’s contract has one more season left on it, with a 12-month extension option. Even at 37, the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner has shown he still has plenty of energy and has wonderfully much carried United this season in terms of attacking, with 24 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo can be counted on to set high standards in training while also scoring goals. Ten Hag is well aware of what he provides to the club and has been effusive in his praise for the Portugal international star.
Create a transfer shortlist
Regardless of who was appointed coach, talent acquisition was always going to be the most essential thing for United this summer as they look to close the gap on Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea – not to mention merseyside rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, who have left them out of the race for Champions League football. Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a reunion with his ex Ajax boss if Barcelona agrees to his proposed move. A framework had already been put in place for a potential transfer for Kalvin Phillips, as United also sought a central defender and attack-minded player.
