Erik ten Hag is ‘no longer in control’ of transfers at Manchester United as new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over football operations.
Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have completed a 25% purchase of the Premier League side and will assume control of football operations at Old Trafford, including new recruits. Ratcliffe reportedly wants to form a transfer committee, which will include himself, board member Sir Dave Brailsford, incoming CEO Omar Berrada, a sporting director and Ten Hag.
The changes come amid concerns regarding Ten Hag’s record in the transfer market since becoming Manchester United manager, with high-profile deals for Antony and Andre Onana, two players the Dutchman had previously worked with at Ajax, not living up to expectations.
The Mirror are reporting that the creation of a transfer committee could complicate Ten Hag’s interest in signing Ajax forward Brian Brobbey and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The former has impressed for the Dutch side this season with 14 goals in all competitions and is another player Ten Hag knows well from his time in Amsterdam.
There is understood to be interest from the 21-year-old in moving to the Premier League, as the Red Devils seek another attacker to compete with summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund.
Everton centre-back Branthwaite is also a player Ten Hag admires. The 21-year-old has been backed for a maiden England call-up in the spring after impressing since breaking into Sean Dyche’s side this season. Branthwaite spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven and was scouted by several Premier League clubs during his time in the Eredivisie.
