Manchester United's Jim Ratcliffe snubs Erik ten Hag axing talks: Not my call

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe dodged questions about Erik ten Hag's future amid the club's ongoing struggles, fueling speculation about the Dutch manager's job security following United's poor start to the season across all competitions.

In Short

• Ratcliffe avoided discussing Ten Hag’s future after United's struggles
• United secured only three wins from their first ten matches
• Ten Hag faces increased pressure ahead of Aston Villa clash

Amid Manchester United's poor form across all competitions, co-owner Jim Ratcliffe avoided addressing Erik ten Hag's future when questioned about the under-pressure manager. Speculation around Ten Hag's job security has intensified, given United’s struggles, but Ratcliffe refrained from providing a definitive response.

Despite a busy summer transfer window, Manchester United have managed just three wins from ten matches this season, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League. This performance has triggered doubts amongst fans and former players, leading to calls for Ten Hag’s removal. However, the club’s new ownership, led by INEOS's Jim Ratcliffe, has so far expressed faith in the Dutchman.

“I don’t want to answer that question...I like Erik, I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day it’s not my call,” Ratcliffe said.

It’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects...But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – Omar, Dan – they only arrived in July,” Ratcliffe added.

Ratcliffe’s decision to sidestep questions about Ten Hag’s future has raised further speculation about the ownership's diminishing confidence in the manager. United’s latest disappointment came in the form of a 3-3 draw against FC Porto in the Europa League on October 4, where they squandered a two-goal lead. This result added to a troubling European record, with nine losses in their last 10 fixtures in continental competitions.

The pressure on Ten Hag continues to mount as United prepare to face an in-form Aston Villa side on October 6. Many believe this match could serve as a make-or-break moment for the Dutch manager, potentially determining his future at the club. Should United fail to secure a positive result, speculation over Ten Hag’s departure is likely to grow, despite ongoing support from the ownership. However, Ratcliffe’s reluctance to commit publicly has led to increasing uncertainty regarding the manager’s fate at Old Trafford.