Erik ten Hag leaked Man Utd contract clause which could ruin Liverpool's transfer plans under Arne Slot

Erik ten Hag could ruin Liverpool's transfer plans after reportedly leaking a Manchester United contract clause.

Dutchman Ten Hag was sacked last month on the back of United's 2-1 defeat against West Ham United.

A club statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."

Despite no longer being at the club, it has been claimed that Ten Hag previously revealed a contract clause that could hamper Liverpool's transfer plans.

It has been previously reported that Liverpool have shown an interest in Benfica star Alvaro Fernandez, who used to play for United.

However, as reported by Portuguese news outlet Record, via The Mirror, United have a buy-back clause in Fernandez's contract for a fee of €20 million.

Ten Hag reported said: "I think the process is perfect. We loan him to Preston, he got back, then we loan him to Granada, he didn't play so much there, and of course we, all the time, observed him and now we had the opportunity to sell him. But we have a buy-back [clause] so we have control of the situation, I think that's what he needed.

"From Preston, then go to La Liga, go to Portugal [with Benfica], every time stepping up to a higher club and a better league. Now we have to see and assess the situation if he can be an option for us. But playing at Man United is not so easy, playing in the Premier League for Manchester United is not so easy. You need experience, also development. You get development from playing for better clubs and in better leagues."

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Speaking back in 2023 during a loan spell, Fernandez made clear that his main objective was to make it at United.

He said to The Athletic: “What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we’ll see what happens in the future.

“But it’s clear that football doesn’t end at any club and that you have to keep working. My main objective is to return to United and make a place for myself there.”