Erik ten Hag Expresses Concerns Over Man United Takeover Delay
Erik ten Hag has expressed his concerns over the delays to a potential takeover of Manchester United.
United announced in November that the board was exploring a sale of the club and Friday was the deadline for third and final offers from interested parties.
An offer from Qatar – fronted by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani – and an approach led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are understood to be the frontrunners to take charge at Old Trafford.
The Glazer family are currently mulling over the proposals and the differing deals mean there could be no immediate decision. Ratcliffe is said to have proposed a deal that would see the club’s current ownership retain a 20% stake at Old Trafford, while the Qataris want complete control.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s clash with Brighton in the Premier League, Ten Hag said he was keen for a swift resolution ahead of the summer transfer market.
“Yeah [I want it resolved soon]. I think it is clear what I want but it is not up to me. It’s about others in the club and finally it is only the owners who can make that decision,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“So it is not up to me and I can do everything I can, and I influence the processes I am in charge of.”
Ten Hag said that he believes the new owners will want to be in position before the summer transfer window, as the Red Devils look to strengthen their squad and compete next season.
”Yeah, but still, as I keep telling you the same answer, I can take my influence and I will do with those processes.
”That is not my job and that is not my responsibility and so I don’t also have the power to influence that.
”I am focusing on improving the squad, improving the team, improve the team’s development and I have to make sure the team is progressing. I am focusing only on that.”
The Dutchman admits he has not been given assurances on what funds will be made available this summer at present, with United understood to be keen on signing a centre-forward.
“No I don’t have. I don’t have influence on that also, I don’t know. So the only thing that I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs and it is among two to three of the biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective.
“I think this club has to compete for the highest [honours] in the world: Champions League and Premier League. But for that, you need funds, to construct squads because, at the end of the day, the levels from your players dictate whether you are a success or not.”
Ten Hag was pictured holding a green and gold scarf following United’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend, a symbol of the ‘Glazers Out’ movement at Old Trafford. However, he insisted it was not a symbol of solidarity with the movement and that he was simply handed the scarf from a supporter.
“No [it wasn’t a symbol of solidarity], it was just polite. But I know what is going around and what the symbol of it is, but this matter was just polite.”
