Ratcliffe had already warned Ten Hag over Man Utd expectations amid sack threat
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made no secret of how imperative Champions League qualification was to Erik ten Hag after formally becoming a part-owner of Manchester United.
The British billionaire, 71, and his Ineos team are now in control of sporting operations at Old Trafford after acquiring a 27.7 per cent stake in the club from the Glazer family. The deal was estimated to be worth around £1.25billion and was ratified last month.
Significant changes are already afoot courtesy of United's new hierarchy and there could be further change in the coming months with Ten Hag's position under threat. The Dutchman has overseen an underwhelming campaign and is under even more pressure following Sunday's disappointing 3-1 loss in the Manchester derby.
That defeat leaves United 11 points adrift of the top-four as we enter the final third of the season. And with Ten Hag's long-term future up in the air, Ratcliffe has already hinted that his chances of remaining in his post are linked to whether or not United qualify for Europe's premier knockout competition.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Sport last month, Ratcliffe made a point of saying: “We have a short term issue, which is we really, really want to get into the Champions League next year. It is quite important for FFP (Financial Fair Play).”
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Unfortunately for Ratcliffe, time is running out for Manchester United to achieve such a feat. There are just 11 Premier League games remaining before the season ends, meaning Ten Hag is now approaching a make-or-break run of fixtures.
Despite reports claiming Ineos are still yet to decide whether or not to make a managerial change, United icon Paul Scholes believes Ratcliffe and co have already made up their mind on the Dutchman.
Join the debate! Do you think Ten Hag is still the right man for Man Utd? Let us know here.
Ten Hag is under pressure at Manchester United (Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA)Speaking after Sunday's defeat to Manchester City on Optus Sport, Scholes said of United: "What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away."
When he was then pressed on whether he felt Ten Hag would still be in charge next season, Scholes added: "I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.
"From the interviews, we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision."
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