Manchester United are closing in on making their first major addition of the summer under the new leadership.
INEOS’s attempt to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s project at Old Trafford with new players is proving very challenging due to United’s limited transfer budget, owing to financial fair play regulations concerns.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team remain determined to back Ten Hag in any way they can. It appears, in the early days of the transfer window, that they have prioritised strengthening their manager’s backroom staff.
Early this month, it emerged that United have held talks with Ruud van Nistelrooy to become an assistant to the United gaffer.
The former PSV Eindhoven manager’s name has also been linked to the vacant Burnley job.
However, it is being suggested he is ready to accept the opportunity to return to Old Trafford, having previously won over the fans with his unstoppable goal-scoring streak under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Go Ahead Eagles manager René Hake is also on United’s radar, and it appears the deal to add him to Ten Hag’s coaching staff is even more advanced.
The Dutch coach has spoken to Algemeen Dagblad and described the move to Old Trafford as “great opportunity,” before admitting it is a no-brainer.
The newspaper, meanwhile, adds that his departure from the Eredivisie outfit is now a matter of time.
The outlet’s story was corroborated by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X:
“René Hake confirms he’s set to sign for Man United as new assistant coach. He’s leaving Go Ahead Eagles to join Man United coaching staff, as well as Ruud van Nistelrooy. Exclusive story, confirmed.”
🚨🔴 René Hake confirms he’s set to sign for Man United as new assistant coach.
He’s leaving Go Ahead Eagles to join Man United coaching staff, as well as Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/A2DQVg2FmF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2024
While Van Nistelrooy is already aware of what it takes to make it at United, Hake is well-versed with Ten Hag’s coaching style and philosophy.
The pair learned their trades in the youth coaching ranks at FC Twente.
Adding two top coaches to assist Ten Hag is certainly a massive statement of intent from INEOS. However, without elite players, there is only much any coaching staff can do.
As such, after Hake and Van Nistelrooy, United need to do everything in their power to strengthen the side’s backline, midfield, and attack with new signings.
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