Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag makes bold statement on Jim Ratcliffe's involvement in team affairs

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made a bold statement on co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement as they get ready for the tough final few weeks of the season. On the eve of the Manchester United and Chelsea clash, Ten Hag stated that co-owners should not interrupt the current process which involves academy players coming through. United’s partial share were recently taken over by INEOS group’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is now in charge of the club’s football business including transfer and academy policies.

Ten Hag makes bold statement

"I think you need to follow the process," Ten Hag told a news conference on Wednesday.

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"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."

"I have high standards and I would be disappointed if we didn't qualify," said Ten Hag.

Ever since the takeover from Ratcliffe’s group, the board has been involved in off-field activity, including the acquisition of INEOS co-founder John Reece and INEOS Sport chairman Rob Nevin. Both have been confirmed as board members. United are also set to have the services of Dan Ashworth who is on "gardening leave" from his role at Newcastle United.

The change in hierarchy is set to influence the working system of the club, for which Ten Hag insists it should not be interrupted.

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Can Ten Hag guide United to Champions League qualification?

Manchester United are still in the race to qualify for the Champions League in the 2024-25 season with England almost guaranteed five spots. With both Spurs and Aston Villa dropping points in recent weeks, the Red Devils have been handed a huge boost. United with a win against Chelsea will go on 51 points and will be within six points of Spurs, who occupy the last potential Champions League spot with 57 points. Aston Villa, however, are in pole position for the guaranteed Champions League spot.