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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has failed to definitively back under-fire manager Erik ten Hag, as he responded to claims that the Dutchman’s sack is imminent.
Ten Hag is under massive pressure amidst United’s run of extremely poor performances and results.
Last weekend, United were beaten 0-3 by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were largely second best and never really looked like they would get themselves out of their predicament.
United followed that up with another frustrating result, a 3-3 draw in the Europa League against FC Porto on Thursday evening.
Ten Hag’s men cruised to a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. However, their lead was soon wiped away as Pepe and Samu Omorodion found the back of the net before the break.
Porto would go ahead moments after the interval, through Omorodion, who capitalised on some more pitiful defending from United to find the back of the net. It seemed like the Reds were destined for another defeat but substitute Harry Maguire popped up with a dramatic equaliser in added time to ensure the spoils were shared.
However, the display still left plenty of question marks over Ten Hag’s future and his long-term suitability for the Old Trafford job.
Ratcliffe spoke to BBC journalist Dan Roan and had his say on Ten Hag’s situation and United’s woes.
When asked whether Ten Hag could be sacked, the INEOS billionaire told Roan, “I don’t want to answer that question. 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.”
“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 – Omar [Berrada] and 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.”
Ratcliffe added, “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.”
EXCLUSIVE:
Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells me about under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag:
“I like Eric. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call…[club chiefs] need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”https://t.co/xlQ4JMBwU5 pic.twitter.com/nr79nAeNln— Dan Roan (@danroan) October 4, 2024
It doesn’t bode well for Ten Hag that Ratcliffe didn’t outrightly back him.
The second match in Ten Hag’s must-win doubleheader takes United to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, where they face the unenviable task of trying to beat Unai Emery’s side, who are riding high after their big win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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