In early spring, United’s preference was to keep Ten Hag into the start of the 2024-25 season at least given all the changes happening in the hierarchy. INEOS believed it would be beneficial if Ashworth, whose arrival from Newcastle is the subject of a legal dispute, was officially in place to help the selection process before hiring a new manager if they chose to. The cost of replacing Ten Hag, given his compensation, was also a significant factor given United’s financial position.
Some discussions on recruitment happened without him, as did calls on who to retain and release, such as Raphael Varane. John Murtough’s departure from his role as football director on April 9 removed a key communication link for Ten Hag with the new hierarchy.
Wilcox began work at Carrington once Murtough left and, together with Brailsford, undertook an analysis of life at the training ground.
Every member of the squad had a one-on-one meeting. Sources briefed on the matter say Ten Hag would have liked greater consultation to provide his insight on the club. Some speculate he had reticence over INEOS implementing a United game model.
The last time United searched for a manager, executives used a codename: Project MUM (Manchester United Manager). The process, undertaken over several months during Ralf Rangnick’s time as interim manager, led to the consideration of Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino before ultimately ending at Ten Hag. A key factor persuading United was Ten Hag’s perceived over-performance relative to Ajax’s expenditure on wages and transfer fees.
梅狗行動代號MUM