Erik ten Hag is with his thoughts at Ajax, but in the background a few things are being prepared for a switch to Manchester United. One of the points highlighted by the British quality newspaper The Times is the language barrier. Ten Hag seems to be already busy with English lessons.
The Times states that Ten Hag must first raise morale at Old Trafford, according to the newspaper, the atmosphere is not too good. This can be explained because Manchester United are having a bad season and there is a lot of unrest in the background.
Transfers
Targeted purchases must be made in consultation with the club management. Ten Hag has a say, perhaps a little more than he is used to at Ajax because he will become ‘manager’ in England. They generally have a lot to say. Ten Hag can indicate who he wants, but also ‘veto’ transfers and thus stop them. Scouts have that right, however. The Times calls Antony, Jurriën Timber and Matthijs de Ligt as ‘potential targets’, it is unclear whether they are also in the picture.
Mitchell van der Gaag is in the picture as assistant to Ten Hag. Steve McClaren was also mentioned, but the former FC Twente coach seemed to have been asked more for advice than that he was actually in the picture for a position. Robin van Persie is also mentioned, although his eventual arrival is hampered by a work permit.
Language and objective
‘Ten Hag needs people around who speak Dutch and English. His language skills are improving – he practices a lot and takes extra lessons – but he is not fluent in it. That will come with time, but a bilingual assistant can help him get his message across to the players.”
If Ten Hag finishes in the top four in his first season, he has done well according to The Times. Manchester United is also very keen to reach the Champions League. If that fails for two seasons in a row, the club must pay a fine of 25 million euros to sponsor Adidas.
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