Erik ten Hag is safe at Manchester United for now but results must improve dramatically before Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in power at Old Trafford
- The Dutch manager is under heavy scrutiny following his dismal Champions League exit
- Ratcliffe's takeover will be finalized next year, but decisions could come sooner
- Away with Erik ten Hag! Man United's poor performances depend on the players – not the manager. Listen to why It all starts
Erik ten Hag has the backing of Manchester United for now, but the Dutchman's long-term future at Old Trafford will be in jeopardy if results do not improve dramatically before Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in charge.
Ten Hag is under intense scrutiny after United left Europe on Tuesday evening, finishing bottom of the Champions League group following a twelfth defeat in 24 games this season against Bayern Munich.
There is currently no interest under the current regime to fire Ten Hag, even though it is accepted that he must start winning matches to protect his position.
The 53-year-old faces a tricky trip to Anfield on Sunday, having suffered a 7-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool in March, and United will be without a number of first-choice players.
There is sympathy for Ten Hag for being hit by a crippling injury list this season and having to work against the backdrop of the club's takeover battle and several off-field distractions involving Mason Greenwood, Antony and Jadon Sancho. .
Erik ten Hag's job is not yet in danger at Manchester United, but the coach has work to do
United dropped out of the Champions League and European competition on Tuesday evening after defeat to Bayern Munich
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take over the helm of football operations at Old Trafford in the new year
On the one hand, the fact that Ratcliffe is taking charge of the football business has made it more likely that any decision on Ten Hag's future will be postponed until the INEOS owner acquires a quarter of the club for £1.25 billion.
The deal will be announced soon, but it will take another six to eight weeks before it is fully ratified. It could not be until February at the earliest before Ratcliffe is in a position to implement major decisions, although he could influence issues such as a change of manager.
On the other hand, Ten Hag's position is likely to become even more precarious under Ratcliffe and his sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford if results do not improve by then.
INEOS have no particular loyalty to the former Ajax boss, having not appointed him in the first place, and are believed to be unimpressed with United's form this season.
