Revealed: How much will Manchester United have to pay to sack Erik ten Hag?

Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is still uncertain as the club’s new co-owners oversee an end-of-season review. The Dutch coach has a year left on his contract, but the higher-ups appear to be considering his exit. This could come at a price and a hefty one at that.

The Daily Mirror reports that Erik ten Hag will be paid £9 million in compensation if he’s sacked. The Red Devils qualified for next season’s UEFA Europa League, which increased the Dutchman’s compensation payout. He was expected to part ways after his side’s FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

However, Manchester United put in arguably their best performance of the season at Wembley to finish the season with silverware. Ten Hag guided his men to a 2-1 win against their rivals, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. It was the second trophy the former Ajax coach had delivered at Old Trafford in as many years.

Erik ten Hag sent a message to United’s owners regarding speculation over his future after the final (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):

“Two trophies in two seasons and three finals… not bad. If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies. That’s what I do”.

The 54-year-old arrived at Manchester United in July 2022 and became a fan favorite during his debut season in the Old Trafford dugout. He led his troops to a Carabao Cup triumph, ending the club’s six-year trophy drought. He also secured UEFA Champions League football with a third-place finish in the Premier League.

That said, the Red Devils crumbled during the 2023–24 campaign, enduring a major nosedive from the heights of the previous year. They set several dismal records, including their lowest-placed finish in the Premier League since 1999 (eighth). They crashed out of the Champions League during the group stages and were sent packing from the Carabao Cup in the last 16.

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Manchester United’s transfer plans could be scuppered by Erik ten Hag’s uncertain future

The uncertainty regarding Erik ten Hag’s future could prove problematic for Manchester United ahead of this summer’s transfer window. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS will oversee their transfer operations and the club have been linked with several players.

Michael Olise, 22, is on United’s radar amid a sensational season at Crystal Palace but they could miss out in the race to sign the French winger. Chelsea are pushing ahead with plans to sign him and are reportedly set to hold talks with his entourage over a transfer, per Academy Scoop. Liverpool and PSG have also been keeping tabs on the in-form attacker, who is a boyhood Red Devils fan, per The Athletic.

Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, is also on United’s shortlist as they seek to strengthen their defense once Raphael Varane departs later this month. The problem with signing the English center-back is that Everton have slapped a £75 million price tag on him, per ESPN.

Thus, INEOS will be eager to get Ten Hag’s future thrashed out with an important transfer window under their regime. They need to decide whether the Dutchman is the man who will be working with whichever players they look to bring to Old Trafford this summer.

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