Erik ten Hag has stated that he is not interested in receiving a public vote of confidence from Jim Ratcliffe, amid speculation about the Manchester United manager’s future.
Ratcliffe took control of Manchester United’s football operations after recently acquiring a 25 per cent stake from the Glazer family, who own the club.
The British billionaire is conducting a thorough analysis of Ten Hag’s two-year tenure, with reports suggesting that former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is a candidate to replace the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Despite winning the League Cup last season, ending a six-year trophyless period for Manchester United, Ten Hag, who previously coached Ajax, has struggled to maintain the initial positive impression.
Last Saturday’s 1-2 home defeat to Fulham was yet another setback for Manchester United’s already faint hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
The pressure on Ten Hag will increase if United lose to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday in the fifth round of the FA Cup, which represents their last chance of winning a title this season.
However, Ten Hag is not interested in statements of support from Ratcliffe.
🗣️ Erik ten Hag on questions over his future:
— United View (@unitedviewtv) February 27, 2024
“I don’t get distracted by noise. I think that’s for you, for the fans to talk about maybe. If you talk about one defeat and then the manager's position is in discussion, I think it's quite opportune after two months without a… pic.twitter.com/eSVPsaAm3O
“I’m here, I have a contract for three seasons, so I don’t care. I’m just concentrating on the process, so I don’t care what’s going on around me” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with Jim Ratcliffe, but above all also with Sir Dave Brailsford, so I know what we’re talking about. I have a strong conviction and I feel that they believe in me. I’m just focussed on the team and I have to find solutions for this team to perform at its best. The important thing is to concentrate on this and not be distracted by any noise. We’re talking about the future, we’re talking about a future together” he added.
