Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed that Erik ten Hag retained his position as Manchester United manager because Ratcliffe believes the club’s issues are rooted elsewhere.
Following weeks of speculation and interviews with potential candidates, including Thomas Tuchel. Ratcliffe and his INEOS team decided to keep Ten Hag. This decision came despite widespread criticism over the apparent indecision regarding United’s future.
Ten Hag, whose contract has one year remaining, expressed his frustration during an appearance on Dutch TV covering Euro 2024. Stating: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done; we are still going to have to talk about this.”
In an interview with Bloomberg, Ratcliffe downplayed the situation, suggesting that people had blown the issue out of proportion. He stated, “The coach isn’t the central issue at Manchester United.” Ratcliffe emphasized a business-oriented approach, focusing on creating a supportive environment for the relatively young players. Something he feels the club historically lacked.
United finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position since the league’s inception in 1992/93, leading to widespread expectations of Ten Hag’s dismissal. However, United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final complicated the decision. Despite openly considering other managers, Ratcliffe chose to retain Ten Hag.
Ten Hag confirmed this on NOS’ Euro 2024 coverage, saying: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel. But they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
Since acquiring a 27.7% stake in United in February, Ratcliffe has aimed to transform the club’s culture. His approach includes cutting back on staff benefits, mandating a return to office work, and planning job cuts. Ratcliffe has also restructured the executive team, appointing Omar Berrada as chief executive, Jason Wilcox as technical director, and attempting to bring Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as sporting director.
Ratcliffe believes these changes will drive a turnaround at Manchester United, focusing on altering the club’s culture and operational dynamics rather than just changing the managerial position.
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