A lot has been taken from me — Ten Hag explains how his influence in a key area of the club has reduced

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted to losing influence over the club's transfer policy; however, he believes it to be a step in the right direction. 

Ten Hag joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, and save for a few missed targets—which the club actively pursued—he has had his choice of players. 

Following the INEOS part-acquisition of the club and their transition into control of Manchester United’s sporting arm, key recruitments have been made in the executive and directorial arm of the club, which has relieved some management responsibility from Ten Hag. 

Speaking in a recent interview, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch manager revealed that his influence in the transfer workings of the club has waned. 

 "A lot has been taken away from me in scouting and recruitment. That is necessary,” Ten Hag said. "You need a very strong structure in scouting/transfer policy. The club has acquired incredible know-how and knowledge of the market that helps me. Very good signs".

This means that the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee are club signings, and despite his former association with Matthijs de Ligt, the Red Devils’ interest in him is on the recommendation of the sporting arm of the club, as opposed to solely Ten Hag's desires, as was the case. 

On Ten Hag’s demand, the club splashed £86 million on Antony and another £13 million on Tyrell Malacia, neither of which has worked to the desired effect. However, he has had a hit with Lisandro Martinez, who was signed for £56.7 million from his ex-club Ajax. 

Before this INEOS-led transfer window, the Red Devils had spent over £400 million on transfers during Ten Hag's reign, and only a fraction of that investment has shown any return. 

Ten Hag is happy with this new direction rooted in a functional modern structure the club has undertaken, as in a recent interview with a Dutch publication, he agreed with his predecessor, Ralf Ragnick, who said the club needed a major intervention.