Erik ten Hag position 'not under immediate threat following Manchester United takeover'

By Ben Sully | 24 December 2023

Ten Hag position 'not under immediate threat following Man United takeover'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly has no immediate plans to sack Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after purchasing a 25% stake in the Premier League giants.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly has no immediate plans to sack Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following his acquisition of 25% of the club.

Ratcliffe has been linked with a potential involvement in Man United since the Glazer family announced that they would consider outside investment in November 2022.

While he was initially believed to be looking to complete a majority takeover, it soon became clear that a minority investment would be the most likely scenario.

Following over a year of uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club, Man United announced on Christmas Eve that Ratcliffe had purchased a 25% stake.

The deal is believed to be worth around £1.25bn and will enable the INEOS chairman to take charge of the club's footballing operations.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Recent speculation has suggested that Ratcliffe could consider a change of manager, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter believed to be among the potential candidates lined up to succeed Ten Hag.

However, according to Sky Sports News, Ten Hag's current position as Man United head coach is under no immediate threat.

While Ten Hag's role may be safe for now, the situation could change if the Dutchman fails to spark an upturn in fortunes.

Ten Hag has overseen Man United's worst start to a season since 1930 after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.

Having won nine, drawn one and lost eight of their 18 Premier League games, the Red Devils are sitting in eighth place and eight points adrift of the top four.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on December 6, 2023 © Reuters

In addition to their inconsistency in the league, Man United experienced a disastrous European campaign, as they finished bottom of a Champions League group that featured Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Although the manager's position does not appear to be a priority area, Ratcliffe is reportedly looking to bring in Paul Mitchell as the club's new sporting director.

Mitchell, who currently hold the same position with Monaco, has previously led the recruitment departments at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig.

Ratcliffe is also considering Jean Claude Blanc as a potential chief executive, while Dave Brailsford is expected to be given a key role at the club.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Man United will be in action on Boxing Day when they welcome third-placed Aston Villa to Old Trafford.