“It’s quite important…” – Sir Jim Ratcliffe places Man United demand on Erik ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has placed a demand on Erik ten Hag at Manchester United for the rest of the season, and it looks evermore difficult now.

The new co-owner of Manchester United has spoken publically several times since his investment was confirmed last month.

Ratcliffe has explained that it will be a longer-term vision at Old Trafford, with countless wide-scale changes needed.

However, the British billionaire is not giving up on the current season and has admitted the importance of securing Champions League football for the club next season.

“We’ve got a short-term issue, which is that we really really want to get into the Champions League next year because it’s quite important for FFP,” he explained when speaking to BBC last month.

United have since lost their last two Premier League fixtures, which leaves them a whopping 11 points away from Aston Villa in fourth.

Erik ten Hag’s best hope now could be through a fifth-placed finish if England are to get the extra Champions League spot. That would occur if several Premier League teams reach their respective European Cup finals.

United are currently six points behind Spurs in fifth place, with the London-based side boasting a game in hand.

Ultimately, though, Ratcliffe’s aim is to turn around the problems behind the scenes at the club so that the on-pitch work can excel.

“The real challenge is to get that organisation and environment right to produce the right results,” he added.

“Our focus is absolutely performance on the field, winning football matches, but that involves the organisation – the design and structure of the organisation needs to be correct.

“And then you need to populate that organisation with people who are best in class, the top people at that particular task in the world. Then we have to ensure they have the right they have the right character and personality.”