Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing uncertainty about his future at the club as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team evaluate the football operations following their recent investment.
Ten Hag, who has a contract until 2025, is under scrutiny after a disappointing second season in charge at Old Trafford. With United currently sixth in the Premier League table, the Dutchman is aware of the pressure to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Despite the lack of formal guarantees, Ten Hag remains optimistic about his prospects and believes he can still win over Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford. The club's audit of football operations has left the manager vulnerable, with potential replacements being considered if a change is deemed necessary.
Several candidates, including Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Zinedine Zidane, have been discussed internally as possible successors to Ten Hag. The ambitious approach of the new ownership group is evident in their pursuit of top talent for key positions within the club.
Ratcliffe and Brailsford are focused on building a strong off-field structure to support the team's success, with recent appointments like CEO Omar Berrada and potential sporting director Dan Ashworth reflecting this strategy. Ten Hag's involvement in summer transfer plans indicates that he is still part of the club's future considerations.
As the season enters its final stretch, Ten Hag's fate as Manchester United manager hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can secure the full backing of the ownership group and lead the team to a successful campaign.
