Christmas eve saw that United confirm that Britain’s richest man had purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club, so as pledging to invest as much as £236millon into the Red Devils. It is also believed that Ratcliffe will help oversee footballing operations and make a number of decisions related to on-pitch matters.
With that in mind, many would assume that the discussions between Ratcliffe and Ten Hag might have already taken place. However, the United manager has since confirmed that is not in fact the case.
Dutchman was speaking to media ahead of Saturday night’s trip to Nottingham Forest and seemed to have suggested that the offer had been made by Ratcliffe and co. to hold talks, but then 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 also want to work with them.
“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.”
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.
