Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Manchester United co-owner, has admitted he made a mistake by keeping Erik ten Hag as manager at the start of the season.
The decision, which was meant to provide stability, ultimately backfired, leading to Ten Hag’s dismissal in October.
Ratcliffe admits keeping Ten Hag was an ‘error’
Ten Hag’s future was uncertain at the end of last season, but after winning the FA Cup, he was given a contract extension until 2026.
However, a poor start to the new campaign saw United struggle, and Ratcliffe now acknowledges the decision to keep him was the wrong one.
“Yeah, it was the wrong decision,” Ratcliffe said on The Overlap when asked by Gary Neville if he regrets keeping Ten Hag. “It was an error. So yeah, I suppose in that sense, I regret it.”
He added, “I think there were some extenuating or mitigating circumstances in making that decision, but at the end of the day, it was the wrong one. So hands up, me of course on that one.”
Following Ten Hag’s departure, United turned to Ruben Amorim, who left Sporting Lisbon to take charge at Old Trafford. However, results have been inconsistent under the new manager as well.
What Ratcliffe thinks about Ruben Amorim?
Despite a challenging start, Ratcliffe has thrown his support behind Amorim. The Portuguese coach has won 11 of his 26 matches in charge, but United currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League.
“I think Ruben has done an excellent job,” Ratcliffe said. “He arrived mid-season, didn’t have time to train his players, inherited a squad not built for his style, and is still adjusting to the Premier League. Given all that, I think he’s done remarkably well.”
United are now preparing for a crucial Europa League last-16 second-leg clash against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. The tie is finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in Spain.
