“Close to agreeing” – Ten Hag’s signing to leave Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has made nine signings across two transfer windows in his first season at Manchester United, but not everyone has managed to make their mark during his reign.

As the Dutch coach waits to see how the seemingly never-ending sale process of Manchester United dictates his plans for new signings this summer, the recruitment team has already started making decisions on departures. Before the game against Bournemouth, Ten Hag confirmed he’s talking to the club’s director of football John Murtough and CEO Richard Arnold “every day”.

Phil Jones is preparing to leave after 12 years at Old Trafford. Axel Tuanzebe will also follow his defensive partner out the exit door this summer.

Further, David de Gea’s cover Jack Butland is in talks to secure his next move, having failed to make a single appearance for United. Ten Hag signed him on loan from Crystal Palace in January following the departure of Martin Dubravka.

The English goalkeeper is ‘close to agreeing’ a move to Scottish giants Rangers, the Daily Mail have reported. Initially, Butland’s salary demand was deemed too much. But he’s showing a willingness to lower his salary due to his desire to play regular football. Rangers manager Michael Beale is keen to sign him.

With only four games left to play in the season, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City, it’s safe to assume Butland will leave without playing for United.

Marcel Sabitzer is also unlikely to don the United shirt again after suffering a season-ending injury. When asked about the midfielder’s future, Ten Hag said: “We will see but it’s not our main focus, the main focus is Bournemouth.”

As things stand, Sabitzer will return to Bayern Munich in the next few weeks.