Billionaire Eyes England Manager as Potential Replacement, but Offers Ten Hag Vote of Confidence
Speculation surrounding the future of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has intensified following hints dropped by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the petrochemicals billionaire now overseeing the club’s operations. Ratcliffe has reportedly earmarked England manager Gareth Southgate as his preferred choice to succeed Ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer, according to claims made by The Star.
The purported interest in Southgate stems from Ratcliffe’s confidence in his ability to lure the England boss to Manchester United, with support reportedly coming from both the club’s current players and incoming director of football Dan Ashworth. However, in a recent interview on Geraint Thomas’ podcast, Ratcliffe hinted at the possibility of giving Ten Hag more time to prove himself.
Amid discussions about managerial stability, Ratcliffe praised Arsenal’s patience with Mikel Arteta, suggesting a similar approach could benefit Manchester United. However, when asked about his preferred Premier League title winner, Ratcliffe expressed disdain for rival clubs, refusing to endorse any particular team.
Despite Manchester United’s recent progression to the FA Cup semi-finals and their ongoing pursuit of Champions League qualification, Ratcliffe remains unconvinced by Ten Hag’s tenure, as reported by The Star. The Dutchman’s potential departure could entail a significant financial outlay for the club, with reports indicating a compensation package of up to £10 million if he were to be sacked this summer, a year before his contract expires.
Responding to inquiries about Ratcliffe’s confidence in him, Ten Hag expressed optimism about the club’s direction and his alignment with Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford, indicating a shared ambition for success. While acknowledging setbacks, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of squad development and maintaining a robust team structure to achieve their collective goals.
As uncertainty looms over Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United, Ratcliffe’s hints about potential managerial changes and his praise for Arteta’s approach underscore the complex dynamics shaping the club’s decision-making process. With various stakeholders involved, including players, executives, and influential figures like Ratcliffe, the road ahead for Manchester United remains fraught with intrigue and speculation.
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