Man Utd are ready to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer market as they come up with a five-window plan for signings, according to former CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Red Devils had a rotten season in the Premier League with Ten Hag s side finishing eighth, while they were also eliminated from Europe before Christmas after coming bottom of their Champions League group.
That piled the pressure on Ten Hag s job towards the end of the season but an over arch-rivals Man City saved the boss.
It was widely reported that Man Utd also considered other potential candidates to replace Ten Hag but the lack of available top-class managers also did the Dutchman a favour.
But Man Utd are now looking to agree a new contract with Ten Hag and Jacobs insists that INEOS want to back him and are formulating a five-window plan .
Jacobs wrote in his GiveMeSport column: Ratcliffe is desperate to have an impact in his first window in charge of the sporting side, believing doing so will set the tone. But, ultimately, he knows everything needed on the football side cannot be achieved in just one summer, especially with financial rules to abide by.
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Manchester United are formulating a five-window plan, so there is an appreciation that patience is needed. But the next few months are nonetheless crucial, since now it has been confirmed Ten Hag is staying, INEOS want to back him. Doing so may make it easier for the Red Devils boss to stomach ceding a bit of recruitment control.
and Jacobs has revealed the Red Devils alternatives if they miss out on the former Under-21 Netherlands international.
Jacobs added: Manchester United have made contact with Joshua Zirkzee, a target they have had on their radar since February. The Bologna striker has a similar profile to Olivier Giroud and has a €40m release clause. AC Milan are already committed to paying it, and remain hopeful of getting the deal over the line. But costly agent commissions have proven a stumbling block, opening up the door to a potential Old Trafford hijack.
Evan Ferguson, Ivan Toney and Jonathan David of Brighton Hove Albion, Brentford and Lille respectively are also all possibilities. Manchester United could also turn their attentions towards Stuttgart s Serhou Guirassy, who is being looked at by Chelsea and has a £15m release clause and scored 30 goals in 30 games last season.
