Erik ten Hag admits he is looking forward to working ‘very closely’ with Man United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox – despite mounting uncertainty over his own Old Trafford future

Erik ten Hag says he is looking forward to working with Manchester United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox despite mounting uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.

Wilcox started work at the club’s Carrington training base on Monday after United agreed a compensation package with Southampton late last week, and the former Manchester City academy director will be a key figure in the new executive team being assembled by co-owners Ineos.

Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth will join Wilcox at United, and the three men will influence the decision by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford over whether to keep Ten Hag or sack the Dutchman this summer.

Brailsford has been assessing the situation since Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion investment was ratified at Christmas, and Wilcox will take on a similar role in monitoring Ten Hag’s situation and training methods.

Doubts have grown over his future with United almost certain to miss out on the Champions League places this season. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion part-takeover was ratified at Christmas as he takes over the footballing operations at the club

Erik ten Hag’s future at Man United is still uncertain with new chiefs monitoring the situation closely

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Despite reaching the FA Cup final for the second year in a row, Sunday’s dramatic semi-final win over Coventry at Wembley – witnessed by Ratcliffe, Brailsford and Wilcox from the Royal Box – was another reminder of United’s shortcomings as they let a three-goal lead slip against the Championship club.

However, Ten Hag insisted that he will welcome Wilcox’s input when asked about how closely the two men will work together. 

‘Very close,’ said Ten Hag. ‘We have to form a partnership, it’s very important. We are a little behind in the process so we will go and speed up the process.

‘I met him yesterday for the first time. This week we will not have so much time and I know his profile – a lot of experience in youth and one year at Southampton. I am looking forward to our partnership.’

United have a chance to stake their claim for a Europa League place, or even make a late run for the Champions League, with back-to-back home games against Sheffield United and Burnley this week.

Ten Hag added: ‘We have to win every game, that’s what United stands for. That is our approach, go from game to game, but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final.’