Speculation around the manager’s future could cost United in the transfer market (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United risk missing out on a key summer target due to the uncertainty that currently surrounds Erik ten Hag’s long-term future at the club, according to reports.
The Red Devils have had a rather disappointing campaign after last season’s promising third-place finish, with the side currently sat in sixth place in the Premier League table – six points adrift of fifth place, which could be awarded a bonus Champions League spot.
Pressure has been mounting on Ten Hag ever since United’s meek Champions League group-stage exit, though their FA Cup run – which continued with a quarter-final win over Liverpool – has bought him some time.
Ten Hag will see out the season but significant doubts remain and there are growing links with a move for England boss Gareth Southgate, who is widely expected to step down from his role with the Three Lions following this summer’s Euros.
Southgate has a good relationship with former FA chief Dan Ashworth – who will become United’s first-ever sporting director once a compensation fee has been agreed with Newcastle – while the likes of Graham Potter and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim have also been linked.
Although it has very much been business as usual for Ten Hag, with the Dutchman contributing to forward planning for next season, the uncertainty surrounding his future will be an issue in the transfer market.
According to BILD, United have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong – a long-time target – as an ideal addition on the right flank, but the lack of clarity over the managerial situation threatens to hamper any talks.
Frimpong has been in stunning form this season (Picture: Getty)
Other clubs have also been alerted to the fact he has a €40million (£34m) release clause that becomes active in the summer, with Bayern Munich’s new sporting director Max Eberl keen to push forward with a deal and gazump rival suitors.
Unlike United, who already have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, right-back is a position of priority for Bayern irrespective of who the new manager is – and it could even be Frimpong’s current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
Bayern are reportedly willing to offer the Netherlands international more lucrative terms than United, but it is the managerial uncertainty at Old Trafford that is the real sticking point.
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It is not yet clear whether United will keep faith in Ten Hag – who only has a contract until 2025 – and their transfer plans could alter dramatically if someone else is in charge.
United have been keeping tabs on Frimpong for some time and their interest does actually pre-date Ten Hag, though a potential successor may decide that other areas of the squad require more pressing attention.
The 23-year-old wing-back has been in sensational form for title-chasing Leverkusen this season, scoring eight times and laying on seven assists in 24 Bundesliga appearances, also netting twice in the Europa League.
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