March 21st 2024.
There has been a lot of talk about the future of Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, and it could have a negative impact on the team's plans for the upcoming transfer window. According to reports, the uncertainty surrounding ten Hag's position at the club could cause United to miss out on a top target this summer.
After a promising third-place finish last season, this campaign has been a disappointment for the Red Devils. They currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, six points behind fifth place which could potentially secure a spot in the Champions League. As a result, pressure has been building on ten Hag, especially after their early exit from the Champions League group stages. However, their recent FA Cup run, including a quarter-final win over Liverpool, has bought him some time.
Despite ten Hag's assurance that he will see out the season, doubts still remain about his future. There have been growing rumors linking United to England's national team manager, Gareth Southgate, who is expected to step down after the upcoming Euros. Southgate has a good relationship with former FA chief Dan Ashworth, who is set to become United's first-ever sporting director once a compensation fee is agreed with Newcastle. Other names like Graham Potter and Ruben Amorim have also been linked with the role.
While ten Hag continues to plan for next season, the uncertainty surrounding his future could create problems in the transfer market. According to BILD, United have their sights set on Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong as a potential addition on the right flank. However, the lack of clarity surrounding the managerial situation could hinder any potential negotiations. Frimpong, who has been in excellent form this season, has a release clause of €40 million which will become active this summer. This has also caught the attention of other clubs, including Bayern Munich and their new sporting director Max Eberl, who are keen to secure his signature.
Unlike United, Bayern see right-back as a position of priority, regardless of who their new manager will be. In fact, it could even be Frimpong's current manager at Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso. The German giants are reportedly prepared to offer the Netherlands international a more lucrative contract than United, but the main issue remains the uncertainty at Old Trafford.
It is still unclear whether United will stick with ten Hag, who has a contract until 2025, and this could greatly impact their transfer plans. While they have been tracking Frimpong for some time, their interest predates ten Hag's arrival. However, a potential new manager may prioritize other areas of the squad. Frimpong, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the Bundesliga this season, has also impressed in the Europa League with two goals to his name. It remains to be seen what the future holds for United and their pursuit of Frimpong, but one thing is for sure, the uncertainty surrounding their manager could have significant consequences for their transfer plans.
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