Man United legend fires INEOS a warning over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s biggest summer decision

INEOS and their respective appointments will have to make a huge decision this summer regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United.

It has been widely reported over the last few months that INEOS are assessing their options over Erik ten Hag‘s managerial position at Manchester United this summer, with the Dutchman’s team showing poor form. It is the biggest decision they will make this coming transfer window.

In the last three games, United have taken just two points from a possible nine, having been in winning positions for all three fixtures against Brentford, Chelsea, and Liverpool – but over the course of this season, results have been very sub-par.

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With that in mind, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding Erik ten Hag, with INEOS looking at many managers as potential replacements should they choose to fire him at the end of the campaign.

Cole: INEOS must be careful

However, former United striker and club legend Andy Cole has fired a stern warning at INEOS, saying they have to “make sure” that who they put in place is a better manager than Erik ten Hag.

“I can’t mention anything about his future because I’m like everybody else,” Cole explained to BetFred when he was asked whether he believes it would be in Manchester United’s best interests to stick Erik ten Hag as their manager.

“If Erik ten Hag has a good run between now and the end of the season, and Manchester United start playing some good football, everyone will turn around and say that he deserves another chance. If he doesn’t, everyone will be saying he deserves to be sacked. It’s not for me to decide whether he should be sacked or stay in the job; that’s not down to me.

“If Manchester United make the decision to move him on, just like when bringing in new players, whoever they bring in must be better than what they currently have. It’s like trading in your car – you trade in your car to get a better car otherwise there’s no point in trading in your car in the first place.

“You’ve got to be logical about things. If you have a BMW, for example, and you want to trade in your car, and you decide you want to get a Skoda, that’s not an upgrade, is it? That’s a downgrade.

“If you’re going to make the change, you have to make sure it’s better than what you already have.”

Ten Hag odds-on to stay

UtdDistrict understands that Ten Hag is currently enjoying substantial backing from various quarters within the club. Many assert his adept handling of challenging situations this season—this was information relayed last month following a 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

These supporters firmly advocate for the Dutchman as the ideal candidate to lead United forward, even if Champions League qualification remains elusive this season – which is looking increasingly likely.

Furthermore, it’s understood that Ten Hag remains actively engaged in the recruitment process for the upcoming summer transfer window. However, uncertainty looms regarding any final decision by INEOS regarding the managerial position at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, indications suggest that INEOS have conveyed support for Ten Hag during discussions since Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.

Insiders reveal that Ten Hag enjoys robust support from the United dressing room. Players have expressed confidence in his ability to effect positive change at Old Trafford and get the team back on track after a wayward series of results.

This information has since been backed by Fabrizio Romano. “What I’m hearing is the same: INEOS want to give time to Erik ten Hag,” the Italian journalist said on Monday regarding Ten Hag’s position.