Ratcliffe Backs Ten Hag To Stay On At Manchester United Amidst Criticism

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United's new part-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed his desire for the Dutchman to remain at Old Trafford. Reports on Friday indicated that Ratcliffe, who now oversees football operations at United following INEOS' 27.7 per cent acquisition of the club, had decided to dismiss Ten Hag regardless of the outcome of Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

United finished eighth in the Premier League this season, marking their worst-ever finish in the competition. Ten Hag has faced increasing scrutiny as a result. However, in an interview with Dutch publication Voetbal International, Ten Hag asserted that he has the backing of INEOS. "INEOS told me that they want to change everything and that they want to rebuild with me," he said. "This is what they told me directly."

The former Ajax boss also defended his tenure at United thus far. "United won the league for the last time in 2013, 11 years ago. But still they expect us to win every game while competing at the top," he stated. "This club is not ready for that. We were supposed to start building something and we made the first steps last year, but then you find out how big this club is and that nobody is ever satisfied."

Ten Hag continued, "Within the club people were satisfied, but outside the club there was noise, [people] saying I won only the EFL Cup, lost the FA Cup final and finished third. Well, then you have no sense of reality. Other clubs had a much better squad."

He also suggested that some pundits in England view United as easy prey. "It's the biggest club in England and possibly in the world," he added. "The club is either loved or hated; there is no in-between. So when things go bad, they all start talking and talking with very big words."

Ten Hag criticised these pundits for their lack of factual analysis and tendency to attack people to enhance their own reputations. "All this negativity from these so-called experts who don't have the capability to analyse something with facts but who prefer to attack people to make themselves look better," he said. "And these same people were the ones who gave me a pat on the back last year."

"Last year I was able to walk on water; this year I am the worst manager in the Premier League?" Ten Hag concluded.

Good morning from Wembley #MUFC || #FACupFinal