Manchester United official statement hints at the next key change they could make
Man Utd are on the search for a new head coach after the decision to sack Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United could make a key change to the job description as they look for someone to replace Erik ten Hag as manager.
United officially parted company with the Dutchman on Monday morning following their 2-1 defeat to West Ham, determining there were 'no excuses' for their poor performances and results so far this season.
An official club statement confirmed Ten Hag's exit and also hinted towards the change they could make with his successor. "We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future," it read. ”Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."
While it might seem like semantics to some, the key difference in the statement is they have sacked a 'first-team manager' and are now searching for a 'head coach'.
United considered changing Ten Hag's official title to head coach after they opted to keep him during the summer, but he ultimately retained the same position due to the fact he had his previous contract extended, rather than a new deal entirely. This meant Ten Hag also maintained a transfer veto and had a strong influence in their summer business in which almost £200 million was spent on new recruits, including his former Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt and fellow Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee. The fact Ten Hag effectively remained at the club in the same role he had to begin with, blurred the lines between what his responsibilities were and often made it difficult to determine who should take accountability for their different issues.
Going forward, Ineos are looking to resolve this by having a clearer structure in place and would like to appoint a head coach who is responsible for getting the best out of the team on the training ground and on the pitch, and who is less involved in other club matters.
ManchesterWorld reported earlier in the day Ruben Amorim is a strong contender to take over at Old Trafford due to his age, ability to work within a club hierarchy and recent track record. It has even been said Amorim ticks more boxes on Ineos’ checklist than any of the possible candidates. Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Frank and Xavi Hernandez are also of some interest to the club at this early stage.