Erik ten Hag pleads for patience from Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he calls for Manchester United co-owner to resist temptation to ‘interrupt the process’ by sacking him… despite dismal season so far
- Ten Hag’s position will be under threat should the club not qualify for Europe
- The manager was asked whether Chelsea’s turbulence was a warning to Ineos
- Roberto De Zerbi might as well be holding a placard saying ‘I want out’… Brighton fans should be peed off – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Erik ten Hag has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to have patience with the job he is doing at Manchester United and resist any temptation to ‘interrupt the process’.
Ten Hag’s position will be under threat if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, but he vowed to fight to the finish before Thursday’s clash with struggling Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino is Chelsea’s third permanent manager since Todd Boehly became chairman less than two years ago, with the club’s new owners also overseeing a staggering number of new signings.
Asked if Chelsea’s situation is a warning to Ratcliffe and United’s new co-owners Ineos, Ten Hag said: ‘I think you need to follow the process. We have good young players coming through. They are developing very well in their progress.
‘We are in a good way, a good direction and we need to make the next steps. Don’t interrupt this process.’
Erik ten Hag has requested patience from Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
A win against Chelsea is needed after the Red Devils were held to a draw against Brentford
United need to catch Tottenham and Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League after dropping points on their last trip to West London at Brentford last weekend.
Ten Hag is refusing to give up the chase but admits that a crippling injury list this season has dented their hopes.
‘I have high standards and I would be disappointed if we didn’t qualify,’ added the Dutchman. ‘I know it will be very difficult because we are not in a good position.
‘But we want to win every game, that is the standard we have here among each other. We will keep going and keep believing in those standards. That will be the approach in every game. We will keep fighting until the end.
Ratcliffe will likely look to change his head coach should United fail to achieve a Champions League spot at the end of the season
‘I know we are not in a good position and we have to catch up. Also, I know we have had a lot of problems so I am a realistic man also.
In a competition that is so competitive and the teams are so close, you need the players to be available. If you have to make compromises your levels will drop and you will drop points.
If you play in a consistent team, your levels will go up. When you bring in the best players in your squad, you will collect more points and that is a fact.
‘So I will be realistic but nevertheless I will keep fighting in every game and I will demand a win in every game because we are Man United and we have to win every game.’
