Decision to ‘remove’ Ten Hag as Man Utd boss ‘could arrive in coming days’ as Ratcliffe makes feelings clear

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could still be fired later this week, despite no public announcement following Tuesday’s executive committee meeting in London, and our understanding is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear to colleagues that he wants the Dutchman relieved of his duties.

Ten Hag almost dodged the sack at the conclusion of last season, but with Manchester United floundering in 14th position in the Premier League, having won only two of their first seven games, the heat is mounting on him. Indeed, Ten Hag’s timing could hardly be worse as he enters the international break on a five-match losing streak.

And, while their executive committee, which includes Ratcliffe, his right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, co-chairman Joel Glazer, chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, did not make a public announcement about their decision on Ten Hag, that does not mean they have decided to remain loyal to Ten Hag.

While The Guardian confirms that clarification has been made regarding the manager’s future, they highlight that his ‘status as manager was questioned’. United ‘may yet opt to remove Ten Hag in the coming days’.

Journalist Jamie Jackson wrote: “As a regular meeting of the committee, no communication would normally be issued afterwards unless a major decision had been made.”

‘After the meeting, workers at the club had no idea that what had happened. However, the Ratcliffe-controlled football department, managed by Ashworth, might still decide to dismiss Ten Hag in the coming days.

Ratcliffe advocates Ten Hag sacking at Manchester United.
We understand that British billionaire and minority shareholder Ratcliffe, who was granted full sporting control of the club when he paid £1.3 billion for 27.7% of the Glazers’ shareholding earlier this year, recommended at that meeting that the 54-year-old’s reign should end.

According to sources, conversations about his succession are also underway.

Indeed, Ratcliffe was prepared to replace Ten Hag during the summer, conducting conversations with many possible candidates before finally awarding Ten Hag a one-year contract extension after they were unable to reach an agreement with a viable alternative.

And, just as in the summer, Ratcliffe is ready to wait until he finds the proper candidate to replace Ten Hag.

Despite his suggestions at the executive committee meeting, Ratcliffe has passed over responsibility of the situation to Ashworth, Wilcox, and Berrada, who will be tasked with making the final decision on Ten Hag and finding a consensus on a potential replacement. They are considering all alternatives, with two names emerging as the favourites so far.

The Guardian confirms this report, concluding that ‘the German remains of interest should a change be considered required’, however they also remark that Ruud van Nistelrooy might be given the post temporarily.

Two people in the running for Manchester United’s next manager
During that discussion, we learn Ratcliffe suggested two prospective replacements: Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Ratcliffe had lengthy conversations with former Chelsea manager Tuchel this summer, meeting him in Monte Carlo to examine the potential of replacing Ten Hag.

Tuchel believed that the moment was not perfect to return to management and take on the post of United manager, believing that he needed a break from the game to replenish his batteries following his recent exit as Bayern Munich manager.

However, there is mounting speculation that he is now receptive to the post, with Rudy Galetti revealing last week that the German was their top choice to replace Ten Hag if the axe fall.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has also praised Tuchel’s probable hiring, believing he has the “aura” to usher in a new era at Old Trafford.

United, on the other hand, may need to act swiftly if they want to get the second name under discussion in Potter.

The former Chelsea manager has been out of job since being fired by the club in April 2023. Despite having his name forced back into the spotlight with United, the Red Devils may be beaten to the punch amid reports that he is eager to take on another role at a Premier League struggling club.

Potter or Tuchel: Who is the better fit for Manchester United?
Tuchel was named Chelsea manager in January 2021 and went on to win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup at Stamford Bridge.

He coached Chelsea in precisely 100 games in all competitions, winning 63% of them. The Blues drew 19 of their 100 games, and he was on the losing side 18 times.

During his tenure, his team averaged 1.97 goals per game while conceding 1.05 goals.

Tuchel finished the Premier League with 122 points out of a possible 189, averaging 1.94 points per game.

Potter replaced Tuchel in the Chelsea bench in September 2022, although he failed to emulate his predecessor’s success.

The 49-year-old was in charge of only 31 games throughout all competitions until being fired by the club in April 2023.

He won 12, drew eight, and lost 11 of those games, giving him a win rate of 38.7% and a loss rate of 35.4%.

Chelsea scored 33 goals with Potter, averaging 1.06 goals per game, but they had a somewhat superior defensive record, surrendering just one goal per game.

His Premier League results at Chelsea saw him score 28 points out of a possible 66, averaging 1.27 points per game.