Erik ten Hag reveals he held ‘positive’ first meeting with new Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Erik ten Hag has revealed he has held ‘positive’ talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, ahead of the Ineos lead shareholder’s minority takeover of Manchester United being confirmed.

It was announced on Christmas Eve that the British billionaire has agreed to purchase a 25 percent stake in the club, with his minority ownership set to become official when regulatory matters have been concluded, including the Premier League Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

That is expected to be around early February, but in the meantime Ratcliffe and his Ineos delegation have been in Manchester this week meeting senior staff members at the club. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic on Monday, Ten Hag revealed he held an in-depth meeting with Ratcliffe this week.

“Very positive, I have to say," said the Dutchman, when asked how his first impressions of his new boss. "We had a long meeting, many hours we sit together. I think on many issues we are on the same page.

"It was very positive, I think, on both sides. It was a very constructive meeting. We are looking forward to working with each other."

When Ratcliffe’s bid is officially ratified, he and his Ineos team will take over the running of the club’s football operations, leaving the Glazers to oversee the commercial aspects of the club. Asked how he expects things to change when Ratcliffe takes charge, Ten Hag replied: "I think it's very shortly and also we have to let it settle down.

"They are just coming in and introducing themselves. They have good ideas and we have to see what we can integrate. We will work together, but after one day, you can't say that.

"They have given me a few [ideas] and we have had out debates on our approach about strategies. I think we will come together."