Gary Neville voices his concerns about Man Utd manager talks

Currently the clear favourite to become the next Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag appears to have issued some clear demands to the club hierarchy, requiring firm assurances they are met before he decides whether to accept the position or not.

Initial talks between the Dutchman and his potential employers were said to have proceeded well, even leading to speculation regarding the coaching team he would assemble. If the 52-year-old current Ajax boss accepts the Old Trafford job, Steve McClaren is expected to be ten Hag’s No 2 at Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail.

McClaren was assistant to Alex Ferguson when United won the treble in 1999, earning himself a reputation as one of the most tactically astute coaches in the country, before going on to forge an extensive managerial career of his own. Apparently keen to be joined by coaches with extensive knowledge of the Red Devils, ten Hag is also said to have spoken with Robin van Persie, with a view to the former striker joining his backroom staff.

Erik ten Hag wants to make sure he has enough ‘power’ to decide on the project together with the board, and especially to avoid transfer mistakes. 🔴 #MUFC

That’s why he’s still in discussions with Man Utd before signing.

📲 His rebuilding plan and more: https://t.co/TdhRyAeUHJ pic.twitter.com/77YmcCSK6a

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 10, 2022

But it seems ten Hag will be thinking very carefully before making any final decision, awaiting assurances regarding how much control he will have at Manchester United, aware that a complete overhaul of the squad is required. He also wants to be in charge of squad recruitment, insisting that any final decisions regarding player sales and purchases must be his, and his alone.

Taking these reports into account, speaking on his own podcast and reported by The Sun, former player Gary Neville has had his say on Man Utd’s managerial situation. “I’ve read in the Sunday papers that Erik ten Hag wants all of his demands met or else he won’t come to the club,” expressed the popular Sky Sports pundit.

“Imagine if they can’t get Ten Hag over the line because of what’s happening at the moment, and how bad a state the club are in,” underlined Neville with obvious concern. Aware the leading candidate for the United job is consulting other people, such as current interim boss Ralf Rangnick and players like Donny van de Beek, the feedback may not be entirely positive believes Neville.

“I suspect Ralf Rangnick will be speaking to Ten Hag honestly, Van de Beek will be answering him honestly. We know Edwin van der Sar is over at Ajax and will be speaking to Ten Hag honestly,” Neville pointed out. “They will be saying be very careful about going to Manchester United because it can be a graveyard for reputations,” he warned.

Gary Neville concerned Man Utd won’t get ANY of their targets with fears club won’t get Ten Hag deal over the line https://t.co/XdxFFu0R11

— The Sun – Man Utd (@SunManUtd) April 11, 2022

Neville also believes “control, recruitment, structure, youth” are the main considerations for Ten Hag. “I believe he wants to come in and make sure he’s not exposed to what other managers have been exposed to in these last ten years,” he insisted. For these reasons, Neville fears that United could ultimately miss out, given Ajax want their boss to stay, while Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig have also expressed an interest in hiring Ten Hag.

The Dutchman was clear favourite with bookmakers when initial talks were revealed, although since his demands came to light, Mauricio Pochettino has again become the most backed option. This is why SBO always recommends comparing the available options, publishing the best Premier League betting sites 2022 guide, providing expert insights regarding the most popular football betting markets.

Ten Hag will undoubtedly be looking for clear insights too, seeking second opinions and comparing the United offer with others on the table over the coming weeks. At face value, his apparent demands indicate the kind of clear vision and focus the club has been sorely lacking, leading to the ongoing protests by fans against the Glazer family, with further demonstrations of discontent planned ahead of the next match against Norwich City.