Ten Hag still 'on trial' after deal extended

AN agent who has dealt with United messaged earlier this week: "Everything must change for everything to remain the same."

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Erik ten Hag's situation remains unchanged. He is on the same contract he signed to take over as Reds manager in April 2022.

Initially, United were unable to confirm whether they had triggered the one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract or just extended his contract. Eventually, a source clarified the one-year option had been exercised.

That is a crucial difference. Whatever Ten Hag's requests or demands under the new co-owner, they are not contractual.

When Ten Hag spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS last month, he said: "We had a good talk and various topics were discussed and the conclusion was that we will continue with each other but also the conclusion is that we are going to sit down to renew the contract."

The interviewer replied: "Okay, so the air is cleared and you go because you have another year's contract and you're going to renew now?" "Well of course, we absolutely have to come to some sort of agreement," Ten Hag replied. An agreement was technically unnecessary.