United's dithering has already cost them a hefty amount in extra compensation to Ten Hag compared to if they had parted ways with him in the summer. It was reported last May that sacking the Dutchman, who had one year left on his contract at the time, would have cost around £10 million (£13m). Triggering the one-year extension and giving him a contract until June 2026, therefore, would likely raise that figure to around £17m ($22m). And that is before you consider the amount if will cost to hire a new manager, especially one who is already employed elsewhere.
United have effectively thrown away £7m ($9m) by stalling for four months on a decision that they should have taken over the summer. That might not seem like a lot given United made £662m ($860m) in revenue according to their last accounts, but it is a considerable amount in the context of the brutal cost-cutting regime Ratcliffe has implemented since taking the reins of the club's football operation.