Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is still far from guaranteed this summer, but now Sir Jim Ratcliffe has dropped a hint.
This season has been an up-and-down one for Manchester United with Erik ten Hag failing to improve upon his impressive opening campaign.
But that was all forgotten after the best moment of the season came on Sunday, in a 4-3 win over Liverpool, this was a breathtaking game which has seen fans regain confidence in the team.
The win put United into the FA Cup semi-finals and now hopes are high that the dramatic victory will build momentum to see the end of the season a successful one, with silverware and Champions League qualification.
With a strong end to the season, Ten Hag could persuade the new bosses to stick with him amid uncertainty. This theory has now been strengthened by Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s latest comments.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe drops a subtle hint which will delight Erik ten Hag
On Tuesday, the new Manchester United part-owner was speaking on the Geraint Thomas Cycling Show podcast.
In this interview, Sir Jim admitted he hates the idea of any other team winning the Premier League, but he thinks Arsenal is the least bad option.
He explained: “It’d be good for Arteta [winning the PL] actually I think it would be good for him.
“Because he’s done really well there, and Arsenal have been patient with him which is nice as well.”
This mention of Arsenal showing patience with Arteta could imply he is considering doing the same thing for Ten Hag, with the Dutchman deserving the chance under new leadership and with better recruitment to show he’s the right man.
Manchester United should stick with Ten Hag this summer
Deciding whether or not to keep Ten Hag has been a debate that’s been at the forefront of conversation around United for months now.
But with only 12 games at the most left this season, a decision needs to be reached with Ten Hag’s 2024 form showing enough to warrant at least getting the start of next season.
Giving a magical moment like he did on Sunday will go a long way in convincing the fans, but ultimately Ten Hag needs to be kept as the alternatives don’t match up.
With names like Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate being tipped as options, United may be better off sticking with the Dutchman as he could transform this side if the right decisions are made this summer.
Sir Jim praising Arsenal for showing patience therefore does read as though he’s willing to show patience with Ten Hag, at least for now.