‘It is necessary’ – Erik ten Hag admits ‘a lot’ has been taken away from his role as Man United boss
Erik ten Hag says he has seen his input in recruitment decrease at Manchester United.
The Premier League giants have seen drastic changes made since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased his minority stake at the club in February.
Dan Ashworth has joined as sporting director, Jason Wilcox has been appointed as technical director and Christopher Vivell is their interim director of recruitment.
Such additions mean Ten Hag looks set for less of a say in transfers but he has admitted he's happy with the new chiefs at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Dutch outlet AD via The Express, he said: “That basis has been greatly strengthened. A lot has been taken away from me in scouting and recruitment. That is necessary.
“You need a very strong structure in scouting and transfer policy. I can only be happy that I have Dan, Jason and Christopher at my side. The club has acquired incredible know-how and knowledge of the market that helps me.
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“We have only been working with these new people for a few weeks but Ashworth is close by – a room away. The new owners take me more into the process. It’s early days but the signs are very good.”
Having finished eighth in the Premier League last season despite FA Cup glory, United have been working on strengthening the squad.
Joshua Zirkzee became the first signing of the INEOS era when he completed his £36million move from Bologna last weekend.
Leny Yoro' £52million move from Lille was announced on Thursday, with United beating interest from Real Madrid for the 18-year-old.
He may not be the only centre-back addition this summer as Matthijs de Ligt has also been linked with a move from Bayern Munich.
It would see he and fellow Dutchman Ten Hag reunite having both worked together Ajax.
United have already played two pre-season friendlies as they build towards the new season, which they open in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10.
After losing 1-0 to Rosenborg, they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Rangers on Saturday and will next face Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in the United States on Sunday.