Manchester United

INEOS 'to publicly address Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future next month'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 January 2024

INEOS 'to publicly address Ten Hag's Man United future next month'

INEOS representatives will allegedly publicly address Erik ten Hag's future once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% purchase of Manchester United has been ratified by the Premier League.

INEOS representatives will reportedly speak publicly in early February, once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% purchase of Manchester United has been ratified by the Premier League.

Ratcliffe said ahead of the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on January 14 that the move, which was announced on Christmas Eve, would be completed "early to mid-February".

According to The Athletic, once official confirmation has arrived, INEOS representatives will speak publicly, with Erik ten Hag's future as head coach likely to be discussed.

Ten Hag is not thought to be in any danger of losing his job at this moment in time, but the Dutchman's future is far from secure due to the team's struggles this season.

Man United have lost 14 times during the 2023-24 campaign, and they are currently down in eighth position in the Premier League table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Fifth may be enough to secure a Champions League position for next season, but the Red Devils are also eight points behind Spurs on the same number of matches (21).

There remains uncertainty when it comes to Ten Hag's future beyond the end of this season, with Ratcliffe and his INEOS team preparing to make big changes.

Omar Berrada has already been confirmed as the club's new CEO, leaving his high-profile role at Manchester City in order to make the move to the 20-time English champions.

Man United fans' protest group The 1958 have addressed the Ratcliffe takeover news, saying in a statement: "We believe the Ratcliffe investment gives us more hope for a brighter future and a potential clearer pathway towards majority ownership further down the line.

Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe before the match on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

"This doesn't mean we rest on our laurels. The aftermath of the European Super League is proof sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. We are working towards a next phase, strategy and plan.

"A generation of supporters have fought and battled to rid our club of these owners. We never wanted them at the start and we don't want them now.

"We owe it to ourselves and the legacy of these efforts to ensure they are removed. We hope Sir Jim is an ally and vehicle in making this happen. Do not forgive and do not forget the damage the Glazers have done to our club and fan base."

The 1958 are an underground group said to have been key in the protests against the Glazer family in recent years.

Man United have not been in action since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on January 14, with their next match coming on Sunday afternoon against Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.