Man Utd refuse agent meetings to show Ten Hag faith – sources،
Manchester United bosses are refusing to meet agents if they believe they are trying to convince clients to replace Erik ten Hag as manager, sources have told ESPN.
Ten Hag eased the pressure on their position with a 1-0 victory over Luton Town on Saturday in United’s final match before the November international break.
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Despite a run of nine defeats in 18 matches to start the new campaign, the Dutchman retains the confidence of senior club officials after finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.
Sources told ESPN that United bosses were frustrated by agents’ attempts to push coaches to put themselves forward for the Ten Hag job.
The representative of a well-known manager, out of work, had a meeting canceled because he feared the conversation would focus on the potential uncertainty surrounding the manager’s job.
United bosses believe there have been signs of progress in a week in which the Ten Hag side beat Fulham and Luton in the Premier League but lost 4-3 to FC Copenhagen in Champions League.
However, it is accepted that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending investment will create uncertainty at all levels of the club once confirmed, possibly as soon as this week.
Ratcliffe, chief executive of chemicals company INEOS, is close to a deal to buy a 25% stake.
The terms of the deal could also give Ratcliffe influence over the football side of the business and, according to sources, doubts already remain over the future of current director of football John Murtough.
Ratcliffe – alongside INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford – is known to have a low opinion of United’s recruitment over the past decade and wants to implement measures to improve the way the club works on the transfer market.
Ratcliffe and Brailsford have been impressed with the work Ten Hag has done since he took over as coach in 2022, although the drop in form this season is seen as alarming.
