‘I can’t believe’ – Gary Neville hints to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

According to Manchester Evening News, Gary Neville has stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already decided on Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager. The Dutchman has won only half of his 36 matches this season, as United finished last in their Champions League group and failed to defend their Carabao Cup title into the fourth round.

Ratcliffe has declined to comment on Ten Hag’s future, but considering last season’s League Cup victory and top-four finish, the manager is regarded to have time on his side. However, Ratcliffe may be obliged to make a choice if the season finishes poorly.

INEOS has already taken early steps toward structural transformation, with Omar Berrada, who is now on gardening leave from Manchester City, set to begin his post as CEO shortly. Meanwhile, Dan Ashworth has been told to leave Newcastle after informing Ratcliffe he wants to join United as the club’s inaugural sporting director.

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Amidst all of the early groundwork, Neville feels a decision on Ten Hag’s status as first-team manager will be made shortly, if not already. He indicates that Champions League qualifying may not be a deciding factor in his term.

“If you look at the guy [Berrada] who has come in from City as CEO and they’re obviously looking to get Dan Ashworth in from Newcastle – they’re going to make a decision, I think, quite quickly, if not already,” Neville said of the new regime when speaking to Sky Sports.

“I suspect Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford already know whether they are going to keep Erik ten Hag as manager next season. I can’t believe they’re going to wait until May to make that decision and then leave themselves short.

“Where Manchester United have been found out in the last 10 years in recruitment on and off the pitch is making poor decisions, late decisions, not being ahead of the game. I don’t think they are going to do that.