Reports suggest Sir Jim Ratcliffe has plans to sack Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager and replace him with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is attempting to buy a 25% stake at Manchester United, with further investment being pledged to the infrastructure at the club. An agreement is expected to be announced within the next fortnight.
It is believed Ratcliffe, 71, will oversee football operations at the club once the deal is completed.
However, with results going from bad to worse on the pitch, some media outlets are suggesting that Ratcliffe will dismiss Ten Hag.
According to Football Insider, Ratcliffe wants Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi to take over as the new manager.
It would be crazy not to question the outlet running this story because it seems like more guess work than anything. None of the journalists close to Ineos are saying it and Football Insider often pop up with ridiculous clickbait.
We are also mindful of the media using United’s run of form to jump on Ten Hag. It’s not like these journalists need an invitation when – almost shark-like – they can smell the blood.
Furthermore, there is reason to believe those close to Ratcliffe/INEOS are fans of Ten Hag. The Independent recently revealed that they previously wanted the Dutchman at Nice.
Someone needs to take control of the managerial situation. And, if it is Ratcliffe, I hope he backs the manager and not the players who are likely to throw the next man under a bus too.
De Zerbi has done a fantastic job at Brighton but he wouldn’t have the same profile of players at United. He doesn’t strike me as the right for United and Ten Hag deserves time to turn things around.
People seem to forget that we overachieved last season and bumps were inevitable along the way.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
Our Manager’s struggling, so get rid and bring in a Manager who’s doing well elsewhere.
Brilliant – except that’s the thinking behind the dismissal of Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, and OGS. And it would have seen off Sir Alex if some fans had had their way.
At the risk of sounding like a stuck record: players need to step up. Bigly, as the orange prat would say.