Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to answer questions on Erik ten Hag’s future following Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley.
Meanwhile the Dutchman has warned club chiefs he will ‘win trophies’ elsewhere should he be sacked after just two seasons.
United beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final with goals from academy starlets Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo amid reports that Ten Hag will get the sack no matter the result.
Ratcliffe, who took control of football operations this season, was present at the Home of Football and was asked whether or not he intended to let Ten Hag go.
According to the Independent, Ratcliffe heard the question and turned around before realising the question and then walked out of the mixed zone where reporters congregate.
A video has since emerged on social media showing the INEOS chief, who also owns French side Nice, ignoring the question as he hastily made his exit.
And it appears the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future has angered the ex-Ajax boss, who came out fighting in his post-match press conference.
Ten Hag, who won the Carabao Cup final last season, said: “I’m in a project and we are exactly where we want to be.
“We are constructing a team and when I took over, it was a mess at Man United. We are now on our way to constructing a team for the future.
“There will be ups and downs, but you see, the team is developing, the team is winning and at the end of the day, it is about winning trophies.
“The team also plays to an identity, but you need the players to be available. You need a strong squad in top football, especially when you play in England and in Europe.
“The Premier League is so competitive, so you need a very good squad, and you need the players available in that squad.
“There is still a lot of work to do, but we are exactly where we are. We have value in the squad, and we have players with high potential who are progressing very well.
“The team is progressing, and we are winning trophies. Two trophies in two years is not bad.
“Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I’m not satisfied with it.
“We have to do better and if they don’t want me anymore, then I’ll go anywhere else to win trophies because that is what I have done my whole career.”
British billionaire Ratcliffe has already made sweeping changes at Old Trafford since arriving, including hiring a new CEO and sporting director, as well as looking to swoop in for Dan Ashworth at Newcastle.
Should the decision be made to relieve Ten Hag of his duties, former youth coach Kieran McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino, recently axed by Chelsea, have been mooted as possible replacements.
News Summary:
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe walks off and ignores question about Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss issues damning message to board
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