Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
In response to reports that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may fire Erik ten Hag, former Manchester United striker Andy Cole shared his opinions on the forward-thinking player.
Given that Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is uncertain, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been informed that any prospective replacement for him must be an upgrade.
With United currently 11 points outside of the top four, Ratcliffe has assumed leadership of football operations after acquiring a minority stake in the team. There have been rumors that he may choose to fire Ten Hag at the end of the current campaign.
In response to rumors regarding Ten Hag’s future, former United striker Andy Cole has chimed in, saying that “whoever they bring in must be better than what they currently have”. “I can’t mention anything about his future because I’m like everybody else,” Cole stated to Betfred.
“Everyone will agree that Erik ten Hag merits another chance if he has a strong run from now until the end of the season and Manchester United plays some excellent football. Everyone will be saying he should be fired if he doesn’t.
“It is not within my purview to determine whether he ought to be fired or kept on staff. Like when they sign new players, Manchester United must feel that the person they choose to replace him is better than the one they have now.
It’s similar to trading in a car; the goal is to obtain a better vehicle; otherwise, there would be no purpose in trading in your car at all. You need to approach things logically. It wouldn’t be considered an upgrade, would it, if you were to trade in your BMW and decide to purchase a Skoda instead? It’s a step down.
If Ratcliffe decides to fire Ten Hag, his top choice to take Ten Hag’s place would be England manager Gareth Southgate, but Cole isn’t sure Southgate is the right guy for the job. “I think everybody would have reservations about him, not just because of the job he did at Middlesbrough, but what he’s done with England too,” he said.
Andy Cole has spoken out about Ten Hag’s future ( Image: Getty Images)
“What accomplishments with England gives him the authority to lead Manchester United? If Manchester United decides to switch managers, those are the questions that will be raised.
“They must choose wisely when it comes to their next appointment if they decide to break up with Erik ten Hag in the near future. Any prospective manager Manchester United selects must be ideal if they hope to compete in the next three years.”
