Man Utd crisis DEEPENS amid growing concern over Ten Hag's transfers
Tom Weber
- Updated: 19 Sept 2023 10:49 BST
- 3 min read
There is a growing concern at Manchester United that Erik ten Hag's agent is having too much of a say in the club's transfer activity, according to a report.
The Red Devils boss is represented by Dutch agency Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) founded by his agent Kees Vos. In addition to being instrumental in bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford, the influence of SEG has steadily grown under the Dutchman's regime.
Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund switched to the Dutch firm prior to his eyebrow-raising €75 million move, while SEG was also key to bringing Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester. According to the Daily Mail, Man Utd staff are concerned about the growing influence of the agency and the report claims that it has 'become a talking point' at the club.
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Another detail that makes this story worth discussing is the fact that the relationship between SEG and Ten Hag is a somewhat nepotistic one as the Man Utd boss' son, Nigel, works for the agency as an analyst.
SEG have become the "go-to agency in negotiating player signings and sales for United, as well as providing informal advice on the transfer market."
Consequences?
According to the report, club staff aren't the only ones concerned about this development; other agents are also said to be unhappy about SEG's influence, but it is unlikely that there will be any serious consequences or changes at United given that the Dutch firm is a globally renowned company.
Indeed, the report states that a source close to the agency insists that United's business makes up just one per cent of all the transactions SEG is responsible for. At United, "senior leadership are comfortable with the position" of the agency.
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However, this whole issue may yet become an even bigger talking point should Man Utd's current crisis deepen even further. There has already been a growing chorus of voices concerned about Ten Hag's influence regarding transfers, with the Dutch coach having brought a whole host of players he has previously worked with to Old Trafford, even paying way over the odds for the likes of Antony.
