Revealed: Ten Hag’s major transfer demand before signing Man Utd deal

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 22 Apr 2022 13:41 CDT
  • 3 min read
Erik ten Hag, Ajax, 2021/22
© ProShots

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he made one very simple but very important transfer demand from the club before signing his contract with them.

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It was confirmed on Thursday that Ten Hag had agreed a three-year deal with the Old Trafford side, with the option of a further 12 months beyond that.

It had long been expected that the Dutchman would take over from interim boss Ralf Rangnick, with the current Ajax head coach beating off competition most notably from Mauricio Pochettino.

Ten Hag admits that he laid down a list of condition that Man Utd had to abide by before he considered the job.

“I make demands in advance before I arrive. If the club doesn't grant them I won't take the job. I am the one responsible, I am the one who will get judged by results. I don't want to be a ruler, I will work together, but having a say in transfers is a condition for me,” he told Trouw following the announcement that he would take over at Old Trafford.

Previously, interim boss Ralf Rangnick had confirmed that Ten Hag will have a major say in transfer deals but that he will offer advice from his advisory position.

Ten Hag’s warning for Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must fit in with Ten Hag's philosophy
© ProShots - Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must fit in with Ten Hag's philosophy

Meanwhile, the Ajax boss also sent out a warning to Cristiano Ronaldo that the striker will have to fit in with his style of football.

“I won't change my vision,” he said when asked how he will cope with dealing with big egos. “I will tell them their task and whoever does not meet those tasks will hear that from me, no matter who it is.”

Ten Hag will not be able to finalise his transfer plans before the end of the season, with Manchester United far from assured Champions League football next term.

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