Erik ten Hag made key demand to Manchester United when "negotiating his contract" - journalist

Manchester United will allow Erik ten Hag to be ‘very hands-on’ over potential Old Trafford transfers as it was ‘one of the key requisites’ the Dutchman asked for in negotiations over the manager’s job, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a new permanent boss as Ralf Rangnick, who took over as the club’s interim manager last November, will shift into a consultancy role at the end of the season.

According to The Athletic, Ajax chief ten Hag is on the brink of being appointed as Manchester United’s new manager after reaching an agreement with the Red Devils hierarchy.

The report suggests the Premier League giants are yet to negotiate a compensation package with ten Hag’s current employers, where he has won five trophies, but he is expected to pen a contract which will run for up to four years.

Having held discussions with Manchester United, ten Hag was initially considering other options – including a fresh contract at Ajax – but it appears he has been persuaded to head to Old Trafford.

An alternative destination appeared to be RB Leipzig as the Bundesliga outfit were understood to be looking to make a last-ditch attempt to hijack ten Hag’s move to the Red Devils.

But it seems Leipzig have failed in their pursuit, although it was confirmed that there would not be a written agreement or announcement until after today’s Dutch Cup final between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.

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O’Rourke understands that ten Hag made it clear in negotiations that he would only take over as Manchester United’s new manager if he is given a leading role in identifying transfer targets.

The journalist believes the 52-year-old was keen to