‘I don’t think he’s happy’: United legend believes Jim Ratcliffe has already decided to rid of Erik ten Hag

Paul Scholes believes that Erik ten Hag will be replaced as Manchester United manager next season – or perhaps sooner. 

When Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent stake in the club was finally ratified amidst a largely disappointing run of form for United, questions were immediately raised over the Dutchman’s future in the dugout.

Ten Hag is navigating the sophomore year of his Red Devils tenure and having won a trophy, reached a final, a quarter-final and finished third, expectations were even higher heading into 2023/2024.

The Old Trafford faithful’s wait for a Premier League title is now becoming unprecedented – to the point where large portions of the fanbase enter the term with little to no hope of the players lifting the team’s 21st. The closest United have come post-Sir Alex Ferguson was under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021 when they finished 12 points behind rivals Manchester City.

Now, Ten Hag and his men only have one prospect of silverware on offer in the form of the FA Cup, where they’ll take on Liverpool in the quarter-finals at home on March 17. A top-four finish slips further from their grasp with each poor result and after back-to-back league losses, they’re now 11 points adrift of the Champions League places.

Scholes speaks on dismal United

Speaking to Optus Sport, Scholes weighed in on the current affairs at his former club and was less than optimistic about what he’s been watching. 

“What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away,” the ex-midfielder declared.

“I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up,” Scholes said of Ten Hag’s future. “I don’t think he will be there next season. No. From the interviews, we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club [over] the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. 

“I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision.”