Erik ten Hag open to new role at Manchester United as 'hidden' contract clause revealed

Erik ten Hag is reportedly open to a new role at Manchester United, while details of a special clause in his contract have also emerged.

With Man United's second season under Ten Hag rapidly unraveling, the Dutch manager is coming under increasing pressure.

On Thursday United conceded two injury-time goals to Chelsea to lose 4-3, undoing the good work they had done in fighting back from two goals behind to lead.

United have now lost 12 Premier League games this season and are stranded in sixth position in the table.

With nine points separating United from fifth place, it looks extremely unlikely that Champions League football will be played at Old Trafford next season.

While new United minority owners Ineos - headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford - are by no means not set on dismissing Ten Hag, there are doubts that he is the right manager for the job.

Ineos have already conducted some considerable changed behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with Omar Berrada coming in as chief executive and Dan Ashworth expected to arrive from Newcastle as sporting director in the coming months.

According to The Athletic, the pair would be entrusted by Ratcliffe to lead on the decision over Ten Hag's future as well as selecting a replacement.

Erik ten Hag has faced speculation over his future (Getty)

If a change in the dugout is deemed necessary, it could be that instead of being sacked, Ten Hag is made head coach rather than manager.

According to The Athletic, Ten Hag would be open to operating as a head coach, although that could see him lose the veto power he has over transfers that is written into his current contract.

Recruitment at Old Trafford has been a collaborative effort since Ten Hag's appointment in 2022.

Losing veto power might not actually change that much though. For example, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola does not have a veto in his City deal but signings are not made without his approval.

Ineos are happy to take time in coming to the right solution, but Ten Hag's experience of working well with a sporting director at Ajax - Marc Overmars - could work in his favour.

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Chelsea, Champions League, Ajax

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton