Sources: Utd hopeful of Ten Hag deal by U.S. tour

Manchester United are hoping to agree a new contract with Erik ten Hag before the start of their preseason tour of the United States, a source has told ESPN.

United have held talks with Ten Hag about extending his deal after deciding to retain the Dutchman as manager next season.

Sources have told ESPN that negotiations are “complicated” but that conversations between the club and the 54-year-old have “progressed well”.

United hope to reach an agreement before their preseason tour of the U.S. which begins with a game against Arsenal in Los Angeles on July 27.

Their first preseason friendly is scheduled for July 15 — a day after the final of Euro 2024 — against Rosenborg in Norway.

Part of the discussions with Ten Hag have centred on redefining his role at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax manager has had a key role in player recruitment since arriving in July 2022, but new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are keen for his focus to be centred on coaching and preparing the team.

A source has told ESPN that United’s priority is to reach an agreement with Ten Hag and that it’s unlikely further additions to the coaching staff will be made until a new contract is signed.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left his role in charge of PSV Eindhoven in 2023, is under consideration for a job within Ten Hag’s staff although a source has told ESPN there has been no approach made to the former United striker.

Van Nistelrooy has held talks with Burnley about becoming their new manager following the departure of Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich.

Ten Hag already has Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag on his staff, as well as Darren Fletcher, who was technical director until Ratcliffe’s appointment of Jason Wilcox. Benni McCarthy has been acting as forwards coach since 2022, but his contract is set to expire this summer.