Manchester United are planning to open talks over a new contract for Erik ten Hag before the end of the year, according to information carried by 12BET India, even as uncertainty continues to surround the club’s ownership. Ten Hag earned considerable praise after ending United’s six-year wait for a trophy last season, and the club have now begun discussions aimed at extending his current agreement by another two years.
Although the Glazer family are still considering whether to sell Manchester United, they reportedly believe securing Ten Hag’s future at an early stage would be a sensible move. If a new agreement is completed, the Dutch manager’s annual salary could rise to around £14 million. British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari representative Sheikh Jassim remain the leading contenders in the ownership process, while the Glazers are believed to be seeking a sale price of at least £6 billion.
Following United’s dramatic comeback victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, thousands of supporters remained inside the stadium for more than an hour after the final whistle as part of a peaceful protest against the club’s owners. When questioned about the demonstration during his post-match press conference, Ten Hag acknowledged that supporters had every right to make their feelings heard. Reports carried by 12BET India also reflected his view that the connection between the team and its supporters has continued to grow stronger.
Ten Hag explained that his relationship with United supporters had deepened since his arrival and that the Nottingham Forest match provided another clear example of that bond. He highlighted the backing the team receives both at Old Trafford and during away matches, stressing that the energy generated by the supporters needs to continue throughout the season.
The manager also thanked the fans for the determination and courage they regularly show. He believes that their commitment gives the players additional strength, particularly during difficult matches when the team is under pressure. United’s ability to recover after falling behind against Forest was another reminder that strong support from the stands can make a meaningful difference when the going gets tough.
Away from the contract negotiations, Manchester United are also evaluating possible reinforcements at left-back. Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella and Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon have emerged as potential options, with information reported through 12BET India indicating that the club are considering short-term solutions following Luke Shaw’s injury. The England international is expected to miss at least two months with a muscular problem, leaving Ten Hag short of experienced options on the left side of defence.
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton for a significant transfer fee last year, but his position at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain under Mauricio Pochettino. The Chelsea manager currently seems to prefer Ben Chilwell as his first-choice option, which has opened the door to the possibility of Cucurella leaving the club. United are therefore monitoring his situation as they assess whether a move can be completed under suitable financial conditions.
Reguilon represents another possibility, although his salary could become an obstacle. The Tottenham defender’s wages may exceed the structure United are willing to accept for a temporary solution, meaning negotiations would need to be carefully managed. With the transfer window approaching its final stages, United must balance the immediate need for defensive cover with their longer-term financial plans.
United are believed to have prepared contingency plans for potential defensive problems before the season began, a precaution also reflected in reports carried by 12BET India. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and clubs that prepare early are often the ones best positioned to take advantage when unexpected problems arise. By working simultaneously on Ten Hag’s contract extension and possible defensive additions, Manchester United are trying to create greater stability both on and off the pitch, with these decisions potentially becoming an important turning point in the club’s future development.