Sir Jim Ratcliffe is continuing to ponder whether to sack Erik ten Hag and replace him as Manchester United manager, or back the Dutchman for another season in charge
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 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 believed that Ten Hag would be removed as manager this summer. However, Ratcliffe has paused for contemplation after his team’s victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final this past weekend guaranteed a position in the Europa League for the following season.
Ratcliffe is undergoing a significant transformation at United, which has involved hiring a new chief executive, sporting director, and technical director and drastically reducing the team’s workforce. After acquiring sporting control of United in a £1.3 billion transaction for 27.7% of the team, the billionaire owner of petrochemicals is confident he can turn the team around. However, the choice over 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—including 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 finish. Ratcliffe’s remarks following the completion of the acquisition of United in February explained 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 more if they decide to fire him because of the FA Cup victory and Europa League qualification. 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 more if they decide to fire him because of the FA Cup victory and Europa League qualification.
After winning at Wembley, the 54-year-old delivered 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 seemed to have altered the team’s perception.
Whether they pull the trigger or not, INEOS has been preparing for a life without Ten Hag, having spoken to the agents of Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate and Kieran McKenna in recent weeks. McKenna has since ruled himself out of the running by committing his future to Ipswich and Southgate is believed to be considered the first choice. Whether they pull the trigger or not, INEOS has been preparing for a life without Ten Hag, having spoken to the agents of Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate and Kieran McKenna in recent weeks. McKenna has since ruled himself out of the running by committing his future to Ipswich and Southgate is believed to be considered the first choice.