Erik ten Hag refuses to comment on Qatar’s human rights issues as Middle Eastern state set to bid for Man United

Erik ten Hag refused to comment when he was pressed on the human rights issues that Qatar present as they look favourites to win the battle for Manchester United.

The Glazer family could be selling the club before the end of next month after 18 years in charge at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to launch a bid, but various reports say that investors from Qatar are confident of winning the race with their incoming offer.

That has split the United fanbase. The reports have said that the Qataris will equip Erik ten Hag with a “war chest” in the transfer market, as well as clearing the debt the club is in and invest in the stadium, training ground and surrounding area.

On the other hand, many are completely against being owned in this capacity and are uncomfortable with the idea of having ownership that have serious human rights issues.

In a new interview conducted with Sky Sports, that question was posed to Ten Hag, who has stressed that his priority is managing the club on the pitch and refused to comment on the situation.

“I can’t reply on that,” he explained. “Once again, I focus on football.”

With potential new ownership being likely before the summer window, you would expect that Ten Hag would be provided with an impressive transfer kitty as he looks to build on a positive first season with United.

His response about this possibility was also straight to the point. He’s focusing on managing right now and not involving himself in the takeover talk that he continues to get asked about.

“I don’t know, potentially, maybe, but I don’t know. Once again, it’s not up to me,” he responded when asked about the potential financial boost. “My job is that I’m responsible that the team is performing.

“What we want is to have a good team, a team that’s competing for the highest [honours] in the world. We have huge ambitions and that’s what we want to fulfil.”