Man Utd News: I’m not the one to sack Ten Hag – Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has distanced himself from making any decisions regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at the club, according to Daily Post.
Ten Hag is currently under immense pressure after a dismal run of four games without a win, and speculation surrounding his job security has intensified.
However, when questioned by the BBC about his faith in Ten Hag, Ratcliffe chose not to provide a direct answer.
“I don’t want to answer that question,” Ratcliffe said. “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day, it’s not my call.”
Ratcliffe emphasized that the decision to retain or replace Ten Hag lies with Manchester United’s management team.
“It’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects,” he added.
Ratcliffe is expected to attend Manchester United’s crunch fixture at Aston Villa on Sunday, a match that could have significant implications for Ten Hag’s tenure.
Ten Hag’s inconsistent tenure has sparked widespread discontent among fans, and Ratcliffe’s neutral stance may fuel further speculation.
By refusing to publicly back Ten Hag, Ratcliffe has shifted the focus to Manchester United’s management team, potentially led by CEO Richard Arnold.
The pressure on Ten Hag will only intensify if Manchester United’s poor form continues.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has offered a measured assessment of Erik ten Hag’s future, stopping short of explicitly endorsing the under-pressure manager, according to Sportskeeda.
In an interview with the BBC, Ratcliffe praised Ten Hag as a “very good coach” but emphasized that the decision on his future rests with the club’s management team, comprising CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
“I don’t want to answer that question,” Ratcliffe said when asked about his faith in Ten Hag. “It’s not my call. It’s the management team at Manchester United that has to decide how we best run the team in many different aspects.”
Ratcliffe’s comments come amidst growing uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position, following Manchester United’s disappointing start to the season. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League with just seven points from six matches.
Despite recent convincing wins over Southampton and Barnsley, Ten Hag’s side has struggled to maintain momentum, drawing with Crystal Palace and FC Twente before suffering a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The upcoming match against Aston Villa on Sunday, October 6, is widely regarded as a crucial test of Ten Hag’s tenure. Villa’s strong start to the season, coupled with their mid-week UEFA Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, will provide a stern challenge for Manchester United.
Ratcliffe acknowledged the need for patience, highlighting the recent influx of new signings and the time required for them to adjust to Ten Hag’s game model and the Premier League’s intensity.
Ten Hag echoed Ratcliffe’s sentiments, urging fans to remain calm and focusing on the collective responsibility of the team. “I’m not thinking about such external issues because it’s not a topic. We are in this together, the ownership, the leadership team, the staff I appointed, the new staff.”
As Manchester United navigates this critical period, Ratcliffe’s response has done little to alleviate the pressure on Ten Hag. The Dutchman’s fate remains uncertain, with the Aston Villa match potentially holding significant consequences for his future.
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