INEOS chiefs ‘will speak publicly about Erik ten Hag’s future as Man United boss’ in early February, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team await Premier League ratification

INEOS chiefs are expected to speak publicly about Erik ten Hag‘s future as Man United boss once their Premier League ratification arrives. 

Ratcliffe is waiting on Premier League ratification of his £1.3billion minority takeover for 25 per cent of the club, which is expected to be approved next month.

The British billionaire and his INEOS team will take control of football operations at Old Trafford as part of the deal and attention has already turned to ten Hag’s future. 

Now, according to The Athletic, INEOS representatives are expected to speak publicly – including on the topic of the manager’s future – in early February. 

There has been growing pressure on the Dutch manager, given United’s inconsistent performances throughout the 2023-24 campaign. 

Pressure is growing on the Dutch manager given United’s poor form throughout 2023-24

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Their most recent result, a draw with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, saw United share the goals but they were dominated in the all other relevant statistics such as possession, shots, shots on target and corners. 

Recently, Mail Sport’s columnist Chris Sutton has decided he has seen enough and believes Ratcliffe should waste no time in getting rid of the manager who led United in to the Champions League places in his debut season last time around.

Sutton said: ‘Jim Ratcliffe will be looking at everything within the club. He’ll be looking to fix the leaks in the roof. He’ll be looking to make improvements at the training ground.

‘But what can he improve and improve right now? I think he really needs to scrutinise Erik ten Hag and I suspect he’ll be thinking about a change.

‘I think the safe thing to do would be to make the change in the summer and give himself time. But if he evaluates Manchester United this season and he strips back and looks at their results and the way that they play, I think he should make the change now.’

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have already proved that they are not afraid to act – and make bold decisions in the process – such as with the decision to poach Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City to become United’s new CEO.

United have struggled under Ten Hag and have already lost 14 matches in all competitions

Omar Berrada has left his role at Manchester City to become Man United’s new chief executive

The major coup – the first of the Ratcliffe-INEOS era – sees the highly-regarded exec move from cross-town rivals Manchester City. 

Mail Sport earlier revealed that Berrada’s arrival was driven by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS team, who have agreed a 25 per cent stake of the club and to take control of football operations.

The club confirmed the 46-year-old’s arrival in a statement released late on Saturday that included a telling pledge that alluded to concerns highlighted by supporters during the premiership of owners; the Glazer family. 

‘The Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do,’ the statement began. ‘Omar’s appointment represents the first step on this journey’.