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Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to remain in charge of Manchester United next season after INEOS pinpointed the real reason behind his struggles.
The Red Devils boss has been under increasing pressure after a disappointing campaign that has left them already ruled out of the running for Champions League football.
There has been major uncertainty around his job after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over the running of all football activities at the club on the back of his minority purchase earlier this year, with a final decision still yet to be made.
There is potential that Ratcliffe and INEOS will look to get their own manager in to try and steer the new era at the club, with a number of players also reportedly listed for sale.
According to The Athletic, however, the plan is still for Ten Hag to continue into next season due to off-field issues at the club.
It is reported that Ratcliffe and INEOS are of the opinion that the executive team at United haven’t provided the easiest of foundations for success at United, with new plans being put in place to make Ten Hag’s job easier.
There are also said to be a lack of credible alternatives, while the club are reluctant to pay the fee required to sack the Dutchman.
Ten Hag’s contract will come to an end at the end of next season, with the 54-year-old signing a three-year-deal when he joined in the summer of 2022, though there is an option of a further year in the contract.
He has continued to defend his side’s below-par campaign in recent weeks, pointing to the achievement of reaching the FA Cup final and that he has had to deal with countless injuries in his team.
Last month, he claimed that he has only been able to pick his best side once in his entire tenure in charge, while he said his job is ‘to bring trophies’, with the Red Devils winning the Carabao Cup last season.
It is thought, however, that Ratcliffe and INEOS will be ruthless when it comes to Ten Hag’s future, with it reported that they will not hesitate to change manager if they feel it is necessary.
Other senior figures at the club have already felt the wrath of the new owners, with interim CEO Patrick Stewart and chief financial officer Cliff Batty to leave this summer.
United, meanwhile, must raise money through sales in order to bolster their limited transfer budget and are said to be open to selling all but three players in the upcoming transfer window.
The club are believed to be keen to sign a new striker, central midfielder and right-sided centre back but may be unable to splash big fees like in recent years.
Just three players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – have been spared from the chopping block, The Telegraph have reported, meaning the likes of Marcus Rashford may depart.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
