INEOS’ key reasons behind sticking with Ten Hag revealed – but they won’t ‘hesitate’ to make changes if necessary

As it stands, the expectation is that Manchester United will enter the 2024/2025 campaign with Erik ten Hag at the reins.

Next season will mark the first full one of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, and while all the wheels may not be in motion just yet, his first orders of business have certainly filled the Old Trafford faithful with some optimism.

Arrivals such as Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Jean-Claude Blanc and the impending acquisition of Dan Ashworth – such highly-regarded figures in their areas of work – have been vital in Ratcliffe’s complete overhaul of the club hierarchy.

This summer provides the new co-owner with the chance to bolster United’s squad sufficiently enough to be competing amongst the very best next term, which could lead to Ten Hag having less of a say in the players targeted across a window. If that means fewer signings like Antony and Sofyan Amrabat, so be it.

For now, the full focus is on seeing out the Premier League campaign with as much dignity left as possible and perhaps securing European football in some form, although a Champions League spot is now out of the equation, while also gearing up for this month’s FA Cup final.

INEOS’ current stance revealed

The Athletic reports that from INEOS’ point of view, the previous United executive team ‘did not provide Erik ten Hag the greatest chance to succeed’. As well as that, they believe that there is a ‘lack of clear alternatives’, while the fee to end his tenure prematurely could prove too costly.

Still, Ratcliffe and co ‘will not hesitate’ to relieve him of his duties if they see ‘sufficient evidence that change is needed’.