Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag 'demands to keep transfer veto under Sir Jim Ratcliffe'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 January 2024

Ten Hag 'demands to keep transfer veto under Ratcliffe'

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to keep hold of his transfer veto at the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly determined to keep hold of his transfer veto at the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

On Christmas Eve, the Red Devils confirmed that Ratcliffe would be arriving at Old Trafford as a minority shareholder, with the deal expected to be ratified by the Premier League in around a month.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team will take over football operations at the club, and it is believed that director of sport at INEOS Sir Dave Brailsford will revamp Man United's recruitment department.

There are expected to be huge changes under the British billionaire, with the transfer policy at Old Trafford set to undergo a transformation due to the problems that have existed in recent years.

As it stands, Ten Hag has a veto on all transfers, with the Man United boss playing a huge role in the signings that the club have made since his arrival as head coach in the summer of 2022.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Ratcliffe will implement changes, but according to ESPN, Ten Hag has demanded that he still has a major influence in the players that are targeted by the 20-time English champions.

The report claims that the veto clause is written into Ten Hag's deal, and the Dutchman is expected that to remain the case moving forward despite the huge developments.

Ten Hag's pushed for Man United to spend heavily on Antony in the summer of 2022, with the Brazil international costing in the region of £86m from Ajax.

However, the attacker has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford, only managing eight goals and three assists in 65 appearances in all competitions.

Manchester United forward Antony on November 1, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag is believed to be keen for a new striker to arrive this month to provide support for Rasmus Hojlund, but the club are working to a strict budget due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play.

Ratcliffe's influence will also not be felt this month, as his arrival is not expected to be ratified by the Premier League until the end of the winter transfer market.

However, Ratcliffe will have to be consulted on any business that occurs in the winter window, including outgoings.

Donny van de Beek's loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt has been confirmed, while Sergio Reguilon has returned to Tottenham Hotspur following a brief loan spell at the club.

Jadon Sancho is likely to be the next player to leave, with Borussia Dortmund said to be closing in on an agreement to re-sign the Englishman on loan for the second half of the campaign.