Fri Oct 04 22:06:06 UTC 2024: ## Ratcliffe Sidesteps Ten Hag’s Future Amidst United Slump
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has refused to guarantee Erik ten Hag’s future, despite a recent run of poor form for the club. This comes as former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop suggested ten Hag’s substitution of Marcus Rashford at halftime in the recent Porto game may have been a “deal-breaker”.
Ten Hag has faced increasing pressure after four consecutive games without a win, with the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday considered crucial. However, Ratcliffe, who is expected to attend the match, stated that the decision on ten Hag’s future ultimately lies with the club’s management team, not him.
“I don’t want to answer that question,” Ratcliffe told the BBC in Barcelona when asked about his faith in ten Hag. “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call.”
This ambiguity stems from the recent restructuring of Manchester United since Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 27.7% stake in February. The club appointed Omar Berrada as CEO, Dan Ashworth as sporting director, and Jason Wilcox as technical director. Ten Hag’s contract was extended in the summer, though both Berrada and Ashworth have distanced themselves from the decision, having joined after it was made.
Ratcliffe emphasized that the current management team only recently took the helm, highlighting the need for time to assess the situation. “They weren’t there in January, February, March or April,” Ratcliffe stated. “They’ve only been there since June or July. They need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”
Despite the uncertainty, Ratcliffe reaffirmed the club’s ambition: “Our objective is very clear; we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously.”
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