Manchester United ownership needs resolution for clarity on Erik ten Hag future

Manchester United’s ownership situation needs a prompt resolution to provide clarity on Erik ten Hag’s future, according to various sources connected to the club, as reported by BBC Sport.

The Dutchman is currently facing pressure following two consecutive 3-0 home defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle.

Ten Hag says he is “a fighter” and has acknowledged that United is “in a bad place”, while the club officials have tried to downplay speculation about his future.

United is now facing a series of crucial games that are considered “must-win”.

Saturday’s match against Fulham, a team that United has not lost to since 2009, will be followed by a Champions League trip to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen.

After starting their group campaign with consecutive defeats, United likely needs to earn at least four points from that match and the encounter with Galatasaray in Istanbul on November 29th to feel confident about advancing to the knockout stage.

Next on the schedule is the home game against Luton Town at Old Trafford. Luton Town has only avoided defeat in an away game against United once in their entire history, back in 1897.

Poor results in these games would intensify the pressure on United to make a managerial change, although the process may not be straightforward.

It has been nearly a year since the Glazer family announced that they were considering selling the club as they “explore strategic alternatives”.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group is currently looking to secure a 25% stake in United but the deal has not been finalized yet.

Ratcliffe aims to take control of the football operations side of United and would have a significant influence on any potential decision to replace Ten Hag.

However, due to strict rules surrounding the bidding process, the Glazer family will find it challenging to consult Ratcliffe until the deal is completed.

Many observers believe that United would benefit from a clearer ownership situation, and most agree that Ratcliffe’s fresh perspective on how Old Trafford operates would be positive.