Manchester United’s Co-Owner Refuses to Back Embattled Manager
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has declined to offer his support to under-fire manager Erik ten Hag, stating that the decision on the Dutchman’s future lies with the club’s management team. Ten Hag is facing intense scrutiny following a dismal run of four games without a win, with a crucial match against Aston Villa looming on Sunday.
Ratcliffe, expected to attend the Villa Park fixture, emphasized that he would not be involved in any decision regarding Ten Hag’s tenure. When asked about his faith in the manager, Ratcliffe diplomatically replied, “I like Erik, and I think he’s a very good coach. However, it’s not my call. The management team running Manchester United must decide how to best move the team forward.”
Since acquiring a significant stake in the club earlier this year, Ratcliffe has overseen significant structural changes. Omar Berrada has taken the reins as CEO, while Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox have joined as sporting director and technical director, respectively. Despite Ten Hag’s contract being extended by a year in the summer, both Berrada and Ashworth have distanced themselves from the decision, citing that it was made prior to their appointments.
Ratcliffe acknowledged that the new management team, which has only been in place since June or July, needs time to assess the situation and make informed decisions. “They’ve only been there for a matter of weeks, so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions,” he said. The co-owner reiterated that the club’s objective remains clear: to restore Manchester United to its former glory.
Leave a Reply