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Man United’s transfer policy is guided by the ‘no d*** head’ rule as boss Richard Arnold tries to make sure Erik ten Hag isn’t slowed down by problem players as he tries to restore the glory days at Old Trafford.
- Manchester United recruited well in Erik ten Hag’s first summer as manager
- CEO Richard Arnold reportedly insisted on a ‘no d*** head’ policy
- United’s hierarchy wants to make sure Ten Hag isn’t undermined by problem players
Manchester United’s recruitment “is being guided by a ‘no d***heads’ policy designed to avoid the friction in the dressing room that undermined Erik ten Hag’s predecessors.
The club’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, issued the edict to manager Ten Hag and director of football John Murtough as they scouted transfer targets last summer.
Arnold was sick and tired of seeing progress on the pitch undermined by troublemakers who caused problems for bosses like José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold has insisted on a ‘no d*** head’ rule when it comes to summer recruits so manager Erik ten Hag isn’t undermined by problem players.
United recruited well over the summer with Casemiro and Antony among their signings
Transfer policy has helped Erik ten Hag revive Manchester United’s fortunes on the pitch
According to the daily telegraphArnold was also instrumental in convincing United’s American owners, the Glazer family, to spend around £75m more than last summer’s original budget.
However, it was also Arnold who reminded Ten Hag that overspending meant there would be nothing in the coffers for the January transfer window.
Ten Hag had been interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, who ended up moving to Liverpool for £44 million.
An underperforming United side was revived with the purchases of midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70m, defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £57m and left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord for £13m. .
Ten Hag was privately lobbying for funds to sign Cody Gakpo who has moved to Liverpool
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who cost Real Madrid £70m, has proven to be an excellent buy
The free signing of midfielder Christian Eriksen also turned out to be an excellent decision, while Ten Hag is still hoping to see more from winger Antony, who cost Ajax £85m and took United over budget for the summer.
His arrival pushed United’s expenses above the £220m mark and meant they could only bring forward Wout Weghorst on loan this month.
Ten Hag has already had to deal with challenges to his authority with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club by mutual consent in November after criticizing the club and manager in his interview with Piers Morgan.
The Daily Telegraph report says Arnold “never had a hand in football decisions”, leaving Ten Hag, Murtough and the club’s scouting team to drive recruitment.
Ten Hag had his authority challenged by Cristiano Ronaldo, but emerged stronger
United’s budget for the January window was tight, with Wout Weghorst on loan
However, Arnold wanted to understand why decisions had been made to convince the Glazers to part with their money. He also told them: ‘No bastards’ that would upset the dressing room.
Murtough and Ten Hag have been left free to handle the football side, with Arnold taking a very different approach than his predecessor Ed Woodward.
The result has been a rebound in United’s performance on the pitch after several years of underperformance.
Ten Hag’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are on course to return to the Champions League next season.
They are also through to the fifth round of the FA Cup, where a home tie with West Ham awaits them next month. United take a 3-0 lead in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
United also face Barcelona in a two-legged UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie in the coming weeks.