In the midst of Manchester United’s dismal start to the Premier League season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.25 billion investment is looking more like a liability than a lucrative venture. As Erik ten Hag’s team stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, they recorded their worst start to a season in over three decades, with a paltry eight points from seven matches.
The underwhelming performance has left Ratcliffe, who took charge of United’s football operations in February, with a difficult decision to make. Ten Hag’s lackluster tenure has seen the team score a mere five Premier League goals, with only Southampton faring worse. The 3-0 drubbings at the hands of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been particularly embarrassing.
Ratcliffe’s patience is wearing thin, but he may be hesitant to pull the trigger on Ten Hag just yet. The manager’s job security is tenuous at best, despite his claims that he and Ratcliffe are “on the same page” and working towards a long-term solution. The reality is that United’s on-field performances are a far cry from the glory days of yesteryear.
Ten Hag’s position will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion at the upcoming board meeting on Tuesday. However, the lack of a suitable replacement may stay his execution, at least for the time being. Tuchel, Southgate, and Potter are all available, but each comes with their own set of drawbacks.
Ratcliffe’s business acumen has made him Britain’s richest man, but his decision to stick with Ten Hag will be scrutinized if results don’t improve soon. United’s lack of attacking flair and uninspiring performances have left fans underwhelmed, and Ratcliffe’s investment is starting to look like a poor return. The clock is ticking, and Ten Hag’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.
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