- Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to reduce the United manager’s influence
- Erik ten Hag previously had a major influence on the transfer to Old Trafford
- Gareth Southgate deserves more respect among the Man United left… who are these fools doubting him? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to offload Erik ten Hag’s responsibilities as he eyes a long-term change in the managerial role at Manchester United.
United’s new co-owner is keen to minimize the manager’s duties on the training ground and in matches.
Ten Hag has had a significant influence on recruitment during his time at Old Trafford, but Ratcliffe wants incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada to take charge of that area.
Whether Ten Hag stays beyond the summer or not – Gareth Southgate is his preferred replacement – Ratcliffe is eager to make the change.
It will see the position of ‘manager’ change to that of ‘head coach’, as reported by The Telegraph.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly planning to reduce the influence of Erik ten Hag and future managers
He wants his managers to become head coaches instead and concentrate solely on football
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United’s greatest manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, had an all-encompassing role, but clubs are increasingly limiting their bosses’ focus to the pitch.
Arsenal have bucked the trend with Mikel Arteta by changing his title from head coach to manager in his second season and giving him more control.
Ten Hag has a strong say in the transfer market. His former Ajax strikers Antony and Andre Onana were brought in for huge sums, while he got his wish with Casemiro and Mason Mount.
However, his position has come under increasing scrutiny this season.
An ignominious exit from the Champions League group stages has been compounded by a chaotic, inconsistent league format. The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League.
The dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend was a huge blessing, proving his side can compete with the country’s top sides – and keeping their hopes of success alive.
However, an FA Cup win may not be enough to save his job. Louis van Gaal was eliminated shortly after lifting the trophy in 2016 after finishing fifth in the competition.
No decision has yet been made on Ten Hag’s future, but Gareth Southgate is reportedly Ratcliffe’s preferred candidate to replace him.
Ratcliffe is increasingly confident of luring Southgate to Old Trafford after his INEOS sports team approached United legends, according to the newspaper. Daily star.
Incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth will instead be given a huge transfer responsibility
Gareth Southgate has ruled out talks to clubs while England boss after being linked with the United job
They claim that Southgate, who has been England boss since 2016, has the support of some of United’s current players – as well as new director of football Dan Ashworth.
However, Southgate has insisted he will refuse to talk to any club about his next job as England manager.
He said: ‘Firstly, I’m the manager of England and I basically have one job: to try and deliver a European Championship.
‘It is clear that two important matches will take place this week. And the second thing is that Manchester United has a manager.
‘I always find it completely disrespectful when there is speculation about a possible manager. I’m chairman of the LMA, so I don’t have time for that kind of thing.’