Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to decide on Erik ten Hag’s future (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still debating whether to fire Erik ten Hag and appoint a new manager for Manchester United, or whether to support the Dutchman for an additional season in charge.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is still debating whether to fire the Manchester United manager, has granted Erik ten Hag a stay of execution.
After United’s worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth, it was widely expected that Ten Hag would be replaced as manager this summer. However, Ratcliffe has paused for thought after his team’s victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final this past weekend guaranteed a spot in the Europa League for the following season.
Ratcliffe is undergoing a significant transformation at United, which has included hiring a new chief executive, sporting director, and technical director in addition to drastically reducing the team’s workforce. After acquiring sporting control of United in a £1.3 billion deal for 27.7% of the team, the billionaire owner of petrochemicals is confident he can turn the team around. However, the choice regarding Ten Hag’s future is becoming more complicated than it originally appeared.
While on vacation, Ten Hag may have been bracing himself for the worst, knowing that Ratcliffe and his INEOS team—which also includes Sir Dave Brailsford and interim United CEO Jean-Claude Blanc—were carrying out an end-of-season evaluation. The Telegraph claims that they are deliberating the choice carefully and are hesitant to act hastily and end up regretting it.
The INEOS brain trust has had time to reflect after speaking with the representatives of Ten Hag’s possible replacements, thanks to the season’s end. Ratcliffe’s remarks following the completion of the acquisition of United in February provided an explanation of the INEOS decision-making process.
He cautioned, “We have to be careful; we don’t rush at it.” “You should walk to the right solution rather than sprint to the incorrect one.”
Ten Hag, whose contract is expiring in a year, has continuously attributed United’s terrible league performance to his team’s numerous injuries. United will have to pay the Dutchman and his staff extra if they decide to fire him because of the FA Cup victory and Europa League qualification.
Erik ten Hag is still waiting for a decision from the Manchester United hierarchy ( Image: Getty Images)
After winning at Wembley, the 54-year-old sent a defiant message, saying, “I go somewhere else and win trophies, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.” With goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, both 19 years old, to suggest a promising future, the victory seems to have altered the team’s perception.
INEOS has been preparing for life without Ten Hag whether they pull the trigger or not; in recent weeks, they have spoken with the agents of Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate, and Kieran McKenna. Since pledging his future to Ipswich, McKenna has eliminated himself from consideration, and Southgate is reportedly thought to be the top pick.
