Erik ten Hag has opened up on ‘positive’ first talks with INEOS at Manchester United, following the group’s investment in the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have completed a 25% purchase of the Premier League side, with the British billionaire set to take charge of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag and his first-team squad met the club’s new minority owners this week and the Dutchman said there is a positive feeling around the club.
“Very positive, I have to say. We had a long meeting, for many hours we sat together,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference, ahead of facing Wigan in the FA Cup third round.
“We were, on many issues, on the same page, so very positive. I think also from both sides I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we’re looking forward to working with each other.
“I think it’s very short [since the deal was announced], and also, we have to let it settle down. They’re just coming in, they’re just introducing themselves, they have good ideas. We have to see what we can integrate, in togetherness we will work, but after one day, you can’t tell that.”
The January transfer window provides an opportunity to assess and strengthen the squad, with Ten Hag revealing the Red Devils have activated one-year extensions in the contracts of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal Mejbri. The club also remain in talks with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, whose current deals expire at the end of the season.
“We are talking with Rapha Varane and with Anthony Martial, and we have triggered the options on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal.”
