Man Utd legend claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already made bold Erik Ten Hag decision

Gary Neville believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe will already know whether he wants Erik ten Hag to remain in the Manchester United hot seat.

Four Premier League wins on the bounce had quashed speculation regarding the manager’s future leading up to the Fulham defeat. But the manner of that loss has amplified the noises about whether Ten Hag is to lead the Red Devils forward.

Ratcliffe has made bold strides since acquiring 25 per cent of the club and being given sporting control by the Glazers. The Ineos billionaire is set to poach two key directors from top-flight rivals once Dan Ashworth completes his arrival from Newcastle United. United had already confirmed the appointment of Omar Berrada as their new CEO last month.

More performances like the Fulham game and the pressure will ramp up on Ten Hag further. Speaking to Sky Sports, former Man United captain Neville claimed Ratcliffe has likely made his mind up about the Dutchman’s future.

“If you look at the guy that’s come in from [Manchester] City as CEO (Omar Berrada) and then they’re trying to get Dan Ashworth in from Newcastle, they’re going to make a decision quite quickly if they’ve not done it already,” Neville said. “I suspect that Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford already know whether they’re going to keep Erik ten Hag as manager next season.

“I can’t believe they’re going to wait until May to make that decision and then leave themselves short. Where United have been found out in the last 10 years in recruitment on and off the pitch is making poor decisions, late decisions and not being ahead of the game.

“I don’t think they’re going to do that so, for me, I suspect they’ve probably come to a conclusion already. It may even be that they stick with the decision whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.”