The co-owners comments come amidst poor performances, as he distances himself from managerial decisions, stating it’s not his call
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has added to the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s managerial future at the club, declaring during a press conference in Barcelona that any decision about the manager is “not my call.” This statement raises eyebrows given the team’s current struggles in the Premier League, where they sit perilously low in 13th place after seven matches.
Ratcliffe’s comments followed his appearance at the Louis Vuitton Cup celebrations, where his funded sailing team, Ineos Britannia, clinched victory to progress to the upcoming America’s Cup. When a BBC reporter pressed him about Ten Hag, whose side recently scraped a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League, Ratcliffe was notably evasive. “I don’t want to answer that question,” he remarked. “I like Erik; I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day, it’s not my call.”
This revelation has left many fans and pundits questioning the stability of Ten Hag’s position, particularly as Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club last December with promises of gaining sporting control from the Glazer family. However, he clarified that he has entrusted that control to the newly appointed CEO, Omar Berrada, and sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who have only recently started their roles at the club.
“The management team running Manchester United has to decide how we best run the team in many different respects,” Ratcliffe explained. “But that team has only been together since June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March, or April.” His comments suggest that any potential changes within the management structure may take time, as the new leaders familiarise themselves with the club’s dynamics.
Ten Hag’s situation remains precarious. The Dutch manager received a one-year contract extension in May after leading the team to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City. However, that triumph has done little to lift the club’s Premier League fortunes. Since their opening-day win against Fulham, United has struggled to find consistent form, with only two wins to show from their last seven league matches. Their most recent outing against Porto saw them relinquish a two-goal lead before salvaging a draw, highlighting ongoing defensive issues and a lack of discipline, exemplified by Bruno Fernandes receiving a red card.
While Ratcliffe appears to distance himself from the day-to-day operations, he remains clear about his objectives for the club. “Our goal is very clear—we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be,” he asserted. “And it’s not there yet, obviously—that’s very clear.” His remarks imply a long-term vision, though the path to achieving this remains clouded with uncertainty.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, continues to project confidence amidst speculation about his future. After the Porto match, he maintained a defiant stance, stating, “This team has the belief that they don’t give up. They have that range of positive mentality and a strong mentality.” Yet, he acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas, insisting that the team remains united in its efforts to succeed.
Despite the tumultuous season, Ten Hag is adamant that the focus should be on collective performance rather than individual futures. “I’m not thinking about such issues because that is not a topic. We are in this together—the ownership, the leadership, the team, the staff,” he declared.
As Manchester United navigates this challenging period, the dual pressures of public expectations and internal governance are evident. Ratcliffe’s hesitance to directly address Ten Hag’s position underlines the complexity of football management in today’s high-stakes environment. The coming weeks will be critical, not just for Ten Hag but for the broader direction of the club as they seek to restore their former glory.
