13 January 2024 , 02:00
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Jamie Carragher believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe could choose to sack Erik ten Hag at the end of the season after a rotten campaign.
The Red Devils have endured a miserable second season under the Dutchman’s management. They sit eighth in the Premier League after losing nine of their opening 20 games.
Ten Hag’s position has come under increasing scrutiny over recent weeks - especially with Ratcliffe’s INEOS completing a part-takeover at Old Trafford. Former Liverpool star Carragher believes he could make the decision to jettison Ten Hag come the campaign’s conclusion.
Writing in his Telegraph column, he said: “Erik ten Hag is on trial as Manchester United manager since the Ineos ‘takeover'. He is effectively an interim coach until the end of the season.
“Unless there is a significant upturn in results and performances, he will have to go. This is a natural consequence of significant boardroom upheaval. Wherever there is new investment at an elite football club, an instant review of every department follows - especially those that are malfunctioning.”
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While Carragher believes that Ten Hag could be set to feel the heat from his bosses sooner rather than later, he has given advice to the former Ajax coach over how he could hold onto his job. He believes he needs to get his business right to convince Ratcliffe he remains the right man.
Carragher added: “For Ten Hag to survive and thrive, there will also need to be an immediate rapport with Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, who will form the three-man football ‘committee’ with Joel Glazer. There are red flags for Ten Hag immediately because, until now, the Glazers have been a shield for underperforming United coaches.
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“Despite criticism of how the Glazer family have run the business - much of it justified - I have never bought the idea that it was impossible to succeed at Old Trafford under them. Until now, Ten Hag has been afforded the same power as Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, especially with regards transfers.
“Guardiola and Klopp earned that through their success. Ten Hag has it because no one has been around with the kudos and authority to say no.”
The Red Devils take on Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend. Heading into that game, they have just two wins in their last seven league games.