by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says the decision over boss Erik Ten Hag’s position is not his to make.
Ten Hag’s future is the subject of much discussion just three months after Ineos signed on with the Dutchman, extending his contract following a thorough post-season review.
But the memory of May’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City has long faded, with Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat at Tottenham worsening four days later as United squandered a 3-0 lead two goals against Porto in the Europa League.
Ratcliffe called on the United hierarchy to make an informed and sensible decision.
Asked if he trusted Ten Hag, Ratcliffe told the BBC: “I don’t want to answer that question… I like Erik.
“I think he’s a very good manager, but ultimately it’s not my decision, it’s the management team that runs Manchester United who have to decide how best to manage the team in many ways.
“But the team that runs Manchester United has only been together since June or July.
“Our goal is very clear: we want to get Manchester United back to where it should be, and that’s obviously not there yet. That’s very clear.
Ten Hag remains convinced he has the support of the United hierarchy and that improvements are being made after a problematic night in Porto and intense discussions over his position.
Asked if he thought there was patience within United’s fan base and structure after being told to judge them at the end of the season, Ten Hag replied: ” I don’t think about such questions because it’s not a topic.
“There are other areas that we’re definitely going to improve in, and then this team can grow and get better. Then we’ll see where we end up at the end of the season.
“We are in this together – the ownership, the management team, the staff. I appointed a new staff, we bought, again, new young players and we have to integrate them.
“As we just talked about Manuel Ugarte, the six position was absolutely one of the things we want to sign for the season but he needs time to settle in.
“And I know that in top-level football you don’t have time, they have to perform immediately, but that’s not always realistic.”
Thursday’s match was the 24th time in all competitions that United had conceded three or more goals in a match since his appointment – more than any other Premier League in that period – after an all-too-familiar collapse.
Strikes from Marcus Rashford and Hojlund were canceled out as Pepe and Samu Omorodion scored in quick succession, before the latter put Porto ahead early in the second half.
“What’s the mental problem?” So there’s a whole range of topics and they need to be addressed properly,” Ten Hag said.
“This team believes in not giving up, so they have… a strong mentality.”
“But in other areas they need to step up if you want to win trophies, yes, certainly in some areas we need to improve.”
A big improvement is needed at Villa Park on Sunday if Ten Hag are to avoid heading into another international break under the microscope.
Ten Hag says midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will be assessed ahead of the game in the Midlands as he deals with a knock sustained against Spurs.
The 19-year-old trained the day before the Porto match and traveled to Portugal but did not make the bench.
“We had three players with problems before this game,” Ten Hag said. “Harry Maguire, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
“Harry Maguire and Alejandro were in the team and they were able to play a few minutes. Kobbie Mainoo did not survive. It was too big a risk.
“We have to wait and see if he can play on Sunday, if he is fit enough to start or be on the bench.”
