EPL: Neville Claims That Ratcliffe Has Already Decision On Ten Hag

Gary Neville, Sky Sports Pundit, and Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United Manager 

Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United may be hinted at by Gary Neville

Despite only having been on the job for two years, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent appointment has already raised doubts about Erik ten Hag's longevity.

Ten Hag oversaw United's 10th Premier League loss of the year on Saturday, as the team fell eight points short of Aston Villa for the final automatic Champions League qualification spot.

Ten Hag, who took over at United in 2022, has come under fire this season for United's play style and lackluster performance despite having a strong first season in charge.

According to Gary Neville, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already made up his mind regarding Erik ten Hag's status as Manchester United manager.

With United finishing bottom of their Champions League group and failing to defend their Carabao Cup title past the fourth round, the Dutchman has only won half of his 36 games this season.

Ratcliffe has declined to discuss Ten Hag or his future, but given last season's League Cup victory and top four finish, it's assumed the manager has plenty of time on his hands. However, if the season ends poorly, Ratcliffe might have to make a choice.

With Omar Berrada, who is currently on gardening leave from Manchester City, set to take over as CEO shortly, INEOS has already taken significant initial steps toward structural change. Dan Ashworth, meanwhile, has also been told to stop working for Newcastle after expressing his desire to join United, as Ratcliffe wants to appoint him as the team's first sporting director.

Neville thinks that in the midst of all the preliminary work, Ten Hag's position as head coach of the first team could be decided upon soon, if it hasn't already been. Thus, he implies that winning the Champions League might not have a major impact on his job.

Read: ‘Billion-pound Bottle Jobs’ — Gary Neville Slammed Chelsea

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said of the new administration, “If you look at the guy [Berrada] who has come in from City as CEO and they're obviously looking to get Dan Ashworth in from Newcastle - they're going to make a decision, I think, quite quickly, if not already.” 

“I suspect Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford already know whether they are going to keep Erik ten Hag as manager next season. I can't believe they're going to wait until May to make that decision and then leave themselves short.

“Where Manchester United have been found out in the last 10 years in recruitment on and off the pitch is making poor decisions, late decisions, not being ahead of the game. I don't think they are going to do that.

“For me, I suspect they have probably come to a conclusion already. It may even be whether it's Champions that League or not, they will stick with that decision.”