Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has undoubtedly faced numerous challenges during his 18-month tenure at the club. From public conflicts with players like Jadon Sancho to his recent interview controversy, he has been under constant scrutiny. However, his biggest challenge yet comes in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new minority stakeholder at United. To secure his future at Old Trafford, ten Hag must convince the British billionaire that he is still the right man for the job.
At one point, supporters were adamant about keeping ten Hag as manager, demanding that prospective owners commit to backing him. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (M.U.S.T.) issued a statement emphasizing the progress the team made under ten Hag’s leadership and the need to restore the club to its former glory. Yet, as the 2023-24 season began with a series of defeats, fan support for ten Hag dwindled.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United marks a significant shift in power within the club. As part of his agreement with the Glazer family, Ratcliffe will assume control of all football operations. However, he plans to delegate day-to-day duties to his Ineos confidants, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc.
Ratcliffe and Ineos initially expressed confidence in ten Hag’s abilities, but their faith has wavered during negotiations. The team’s recent string of poor performances has only amplified the doubts surrounding the manager. Now, as ten Hag prepares to meet with Ratcliffe and his team, he finds himself in a precarious position.
Sources reveal that ten Hag is resistant to relinquishing any power in the new structure, especially when it comes to player transfers. His contract grants him veto power in all transfer decisions, and he has exerted significant influence over signings, particularly those with connections to Ajax and Holland. However, there are growing concerns, particularly surrounding the signing of Antony, a player pushed for by ten Hag but who has failed to justify his transfer fee.
Ineos, as a new owner, seeks to avoid costly signings that do not deliver results. They want to steer clear of situations where players are signed for exorbitant fees and handed long-term contracts with high wages. It is understandable why there may be apprehension about ten Hag’s influence in the transfer market.
To underline the potential consequences of a strained relationship between a new owner and an inherited manager, the example of Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea is worth examining. Tuchel, a Champions League-winning manager, was sacked by Chelsea after just 100 days under new owner Todd Boehly. Their disagreements ranged from the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo to disagreements over the team’s summer tour.
The situation at Manchester United with ten Hag and Ineos has parallels to this cautionary tale. Ratcliffe’s team has expressed a preference for keeping ten Hag until the end of the season. However, poor results may force them to reconsider. Already, alternatives like Graham Potter have been informally approached, indicating that the club is preparing for a possible change in management.
While Ratcliffe’s stake will not be officially ratified until early February, his team, led by Brailsford and Blanc, will use this interim period to gain insights into the workings of Manchester United. They aim to develop a plan to move the club forward after a decade of disappointing performances.
In his first news conference since Ratcliffe’s deal was announced, ten Hag expressed positivity about the partnership and his desire to work with the Ineos team. However, the ultimate question remains: Will the Ineos team want to work with him in the long term?
Only time will reveal the fate of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. As the pressure mounts and results become increasingly crucial, the manager must prove himself to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos colleagues. The uncertain future of ten Hag hangs in the balance, and his ability to navigate this challenging period will determine whether he can secure his place as the long-term manager of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
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