It’s not set in stone that Erik ten Hag will remain at Manchester United beyond this summer but since completing his partial takeover of the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stressed the importance of improving the environment around the manager.
He has refrained from criticising Ten Hag and has instead targetted the structure that has let several managers down since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ten Hag has endured a difficult second season at the club, with his side out of the Champions League at the group stage and unlikely to finish high enough in the table to reserve a spot for next season.
Roberto De Zerbi, who replaced Graham Potter at Brighton last season, has emerged as one of Europe’s best young managers and subsequently, he has been linked with most of the elite clubs. The latest to be linked with a move is United.
According to the Manchester Evening News, De Zerbi is under consideration to become the new United manager if the decision to sack Ten Hag is made.
Ratcliffe has moved quick to adjust the hierarchy to his liking since it was confirmed that he would be taking over the club’s football operations.
Dan Ashworth is on the verge of joining the club from Newcastle United, whilst Omar Berrada is set to join from Manchester City this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will be a part of the widespread overhaul of the club but as things stand, it does not sound like it’s Ratcliffe’s biggest priority.
