Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Ten Hag’s Future Not My Decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United co-owner has stated that the future of under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag is not his decision to make as speculation mounts over the Dutchman’s position following a difficult start to the season. Despite United triggering a one-year extension to Ten Hag’s contract in July, Ratcliffe hinted that the club’s new management team led by CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth must evaluate the situation and make “sensible decisions.”

Ten Hag, who joined the club in 2022 enjoyed early success by securing the Carabao Cup, guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish and winning the FA Cup in his first season. However, his second season has been significantly more challenging. United crashed out of the Champions League group stage, finished eighth in the Premier League but ended on a high with a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Ratcliffe, who took control of football operations at the club in February, spoke after witnessing Ineos Britannia reach the America’s Cup final. He expressed confidence in Ten Hag, calling him a “very good coach,” but clarified that the final decision on the manager’s future lies with the club’s new leadership team which has been in place only since the summer.

With United currently 13th in the Premier League and winless in four matches across all competitions, pressure on Erik ten Hag is increasing. The team faces a crucial test against Aston Villa before the international break. Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasized that the club’s objective remains to restore Manchester United to its former glory though he admitted that the team is “not there yet.”