Man Utd takeover chaos as Ten Hag transfer budget frozen amid Glazer indecision

06 May 2023 , 19:00

1138 0

Manchester United are in chaos - and it’s threatening to undermine Erik ten Hag’s impressive first season at Old Trafford.

‌Protracted and confusing takeover talks have left United in a worrying vacuum at a crucial stage of the season. And Dutch sources close to the 53-year-old boss say Ten Hag is “concerned” that what should be a positive moment for the club could be derailed by the uncertainty caused by the club’s sale.

‌Having landed the Carabao Cup, booked an FA Cup Final with cross-town rivals Manchester City and made Champions League football next season a real possibility, Ten Hag wanted to push that momentum into the summer.

Yet leading transfer targets like Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Inter Milan frontman Lautaro Martinez and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are now all on the back-burner while rival bidders including Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim compete for control of United.

Those names could even be replaced by even bigger stars with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe said to be a high-priority signing for the Qatari bidders if they succeed over billionaire United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe. But while the club’s future is unresolved United are on the back foot and in turmoil compared with some rivals as the season draws to a close.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

And that’s left Ten Hag in limbo. With the takeover ongoing, Mirror Football can reveal United have put a budget freeze in place preventing any recruitment of external consultants. And that’s the tip of the iceberg with the club hitting the pause button in many areas of the business.

Erik ten Hag has seen his transfer plans stall amid Manchester United's ongoing sale (Getty Images)

At the top of the chain the hold on substantial capital outlay means Ten Hag is at risk of missing out on preferred transfer targets until a clearer picture emerges of who will eventually own the club. Privately, that’s left Ten Hag frustrated and seeking direction from Chief Executive Richard Arnold as he looks to carry the momentum he’s built into next season.‌

But in the answers he’s had, total clarity hasn’t been forthcoming for Ten Hag who is desperate to make United even more competitive in the Premier League and Europe next season. The Dutch coach isn’t the only one wondering what will happen, however, with a major boardroom shake-up predicted once the sale is concluded.

And if the Florida-based Glazer family don’t retain a significant slice of the club it’s certain current key figures like Arnold will see their roles under scrutiny - whoever takes charge.

The Glazers haven't yet decided whether or not to fully sell Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

Arnold succeeded unpopular Ed Woodward in February last year and has since overseen a period of much-needed stability under ten Hag, as well as sanctioning the transfers of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, Argentina’s World Cup-winning defender Lisandro Martinez and classy midfielder Christian Eriksen.

‌All three players have helped ten Hag lay down impressive foundations in his first season in the Premier League. However, any new owners will want to install their own men in positions of power - as Sheikh Mansour did when buying Manchester City almost 15 years ago.

‌He appointed Khaldoon Al Mubarak as chairman with former Barcelona duo Ferran Soriano and Tixiki Begiristain as CEO and Director of Football respectively with the trio spearheading a decade of spectacular success. But while instigating a restructure, the new owners at Old Trafford will also want to retain knowledge and experience.

Manchester United have already spent nearly £230million during Erik ten Hag's reign (Joe Toth/REX/Shutterstock)

Have your say! Who'd be the best owner for Manchester United? Join the debate in the comments section.

‌That means former chief executive David Gill is certain to be asked to stay to help United’s new custodians through the early stages of ownership. All of that is no help to Ten Hag who wants his transfer business concluded as early as possible this summer so he can plan for next season.

As things stand that appears unlikely to happen - putting at risk all the Dutchman’s good work in halting United’s fall from football’s top table.