Ratcliffe: I’m Not the Decision-Maker on Ten Hag’s Future

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, said he is not responsible for making decisions about the future of the team’s coach, Erik ten Hag, and declined to comment on whether he still has confidence in the Dutchman, who has overseen United’s worst start to a Premier League season since 1986-87.

Ratcliffe told the BBC: “I don’t want to answer that question. I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach, but ultimately, it’s not my decision. It’s up to the club management that runs Manchester United to decide how to manage the team in the best way. That team running Manchester United was formed in June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March, or April. CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Dan Ashworth joined in July. You can practically count the weeks they’ve been here; it hasn’t been long, so they need time to think things through and make careful decisions.”

Speculation about Ten Hag’s future has swirled for most of last season, which United finished eighth. However, the Dutch manager extended his contract until 2026 after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Ratcliffe said: “Our goal is very clear; we want Manchester United to return to its rightful place, and obviously, that hasn’t happened yet.”