Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals why he can’t sack Man United boss Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag is facing increasing pressure at Old Trafford following a challenging start to the season
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has emphasized that the decision regarding Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager is not solely his to make.
Ten Hag is facing increasing pressure at Old Trafford following a challenging start to the season.
Currently, United sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table after six matches, with a tough fixture against high-flying Aston Villa looming this Sunday.
Ratcliffe has made several changes behind the scenes since taking charge of football operations at the club, bringing in Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox.
He noted that these individuals have only recently started their roles.
Discussions about Ten Hag’s future took place over the summer, with United exploring potential replacements before ultimately deciding to retain the Dutchman.
However, Ratcliffe’s recent comments, made just two days before the match against Villa, provide new insights into the situation.
“I don’t want to answer that question…” Sir Jim Ratcliffe told the BBC.
“I like Erik.
“I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects,” added Ratcliffe.
“But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.
“They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [Sporting Director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July
“They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.
“Our objective is very clear – we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously – that’s very clear.”
Erik ten Hag aimed to alleviate some of the pressure surrounding his team with a victory against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
However, United squandered a two-goal lead, ultimately salvaging a late point thanks to a goal from Harry Maguire.
“We scored two great goals and then we switched off,” the manager said.
“We don’t keep possession and defending, we’re switching off.
“We conceded the first goal, totally unnecessary, then you light up the fire in this stadium and it becomes very tough.
“But I don’t judge us at this moment. I judge us at the end of the season.
“We’re in the process. Just wait.
“We have to develop this team.
“We will work and continue.
“We will fight.
“We started the game very well, we dominated, we scored two goals, but then we lost control.
“The middle part was not good, the ending was very good, but the defending we have to improve.”
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