If Manchester United opts to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer, they risk plunging further into a Financial Fair Play dilemma. The Dutchman’s tenure at Old Trafford is teetering on the edge following a disappointing second season.
United’s recent performances have been lackluster, evident from their last-place finish in the Champions League group stage and an early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle.
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Their current sixth position in the Premier League standings leaves them as unlikely candidates to secure a Champions League berth.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of United’s co-owners, has privately expressed understanding towards Ten Hag for the challenges he has faced in his second year at the helm.
Issues with players like Mason Greenwood, Antony, and Jadon Sancho, along with a string of injuries, have hindered the team’s progress on the field.
Financial constraints have further restricted United’s ability to strengthen their squad, as they were unable to secure a striker in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play concerns, despite Anthony Martial facing a lengthy injury layoff.
While there’s empathy for Ten Hag from certain quarters of the boardroom, INEOS, the club’s ownership group, is determined to restore United to their former glory and may not hesitate to make tough decisions.
However, terminating Ten Hag’s contract would come at a cost, requiring United to pay a hefty compensation fee of £10 million to the Dutchman and his coaching staff.
If this were to occur before June 30th, the expense would impact the club’s 2023/24 financial accounts, potentially pushing them closer to breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Under such circumstances, United may be compelled to offload players to maintain financial equilibrium. Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could all be made available for transfer this summer.
Furthermore, Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are set to depart the club upon the expiration of their contracts.
