Erik ten Hag explains why he snubbed Ineos talks despite Man Utd investment

29 December 2023 , 13:10

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Erik ten Hag explains why he snubbed Ineos talks despite Man Utd investment

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that he has not yet had any direct communication with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of his INEOS team.

Christmas eve saw United confirm that Britain's richest man had purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club, as well as pledging to invest as much as £236million into the Red Devils. It is believed that Ratcliffe will help oversee footballing operations and make a number of key decisions related to on-pitch matters.

With that in mind, many would assume that discussions between Ratcliffe and Ten Hag would have already taken place. However, the United manager has since confirmed that is not in fact the case, though he is eager to eventually get round to it.

The Dutchman was speaking to media ahead of Saturday night's trip to Nottingham Forest and seemed to suggest the offer had been made by Ratcliffe and co. to hold talks, but Ten Hag declined. He claimed: "I'm focused on the game so far, so I said no (to discussions).

"In this moment I don't want to have distractions. In the coming days, weeks, there will be time for us, then I'll know more. I think it's a good thing, it's very positive. We are looking really forward to work together. Ineos wants to work with me in this structure and I want to work with them.

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"We always want to win, it doesn't matter who is the leader. We are appointed here in this area, we need a winning culture no matter who is in the lead, no matter who is the owner. But, of course, owners can inspire you."

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.3billion deal has been confirmed and he will help oversee footballing operations (Getty Images)

Ten Hag also went on to make clear that he wants to maintain good relations with the new figures within the United hierarchy. He added: "As you said, the schedule is so condensed I didn't have the time so far to speak with them but it will come.

"I look forward [to it]. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see."

For now, Ten Hag's full focus is firmly on the visit to the City Ground on Saturday evening. United currently sit seventh in the table, having been leapfrogged by West Ham on Thursday night.

Josh O'Brien