Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stated that decisions regarding the future of manager Erik ten Hag are not his to make, amid growing pressure on the Dutchman following a tough start to the season.
Ratcliffe, who took control of football operations at Old Trafford in February, was speaking after watching his Ineos Britannia sailing team make history by reaching the America’s Cup final for the first time since 1964. Meanwhile, Manchester United triggered a one-year extension to Ten Hag’s contract in July, keeping him at the club until 2026.
However, after a disappointing run of form that has seen United win just three of their first 10 matches this season, questions about Ten Hag’s future have surfaced. Ratcliffe, when asked by BBC Sport whether he still had faith in the manager, declined to give a definitive answer, stating, “I don’t want to answer that question.”
He added, “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day, it’s not my call. The management team that’s running Manchester United has to decide what’s best for the club.”
Ratcliffe referred to key members of United’s management team, including CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who only joined in the summer. “They’ve only been there a short time, and they need to take stock and make sensible decisions,” Ratcliffe said. “Our objective is clear: we want to take Manchester United back to where it belongs, but it’s evident we’re not there yet.”
Ten Hag, who joined Manchester United in 2022, had a successful first season, securing the club’s first silverware in six years by winning the Carabao Cup and finishing third in the Premier League. His side also triumphed over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. However, this season has proven more challenging, with United currently 13th in the Premier League and winless in European competition.
Despite these struggles, the club’s leadership extended Ten Hag’s contract until 2026 following a review of the team’s performance in the 2023-24 season. However, United’s current run of poor form, including a recent 3-3 Europa League draw at Porto after blowing a two-goal lead, has only added to the speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s position.
With a critical Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on the horizon, Ratcliffe emphasized the need for careful reflection and decision-making by the club’s hierarchy as they look to guide United back to their former glory.
SOURCE: BBC
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