Sir Jim Ratcliffe ignored a reporter when asked to answer a question about whether Erik ten Hag will remain in charge of Manchester United following the club's FA Cup final triumph.
Ten Hag guided the Red Devils to victory over their cross-town foes Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, earning his second trophy in as many years in the process.
United entered the FA Cup against their arch-rivals as massive underdogs but secured a 2-1 win, with teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring the goals.
The youngsters also etched their names in history, becoming the first duo of teenagers to score in the same FA Cup final.
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Ratcliffe ignores reporter's question on Ten Hag future
Despite the cup triumph, doubt still lingers over Ten Hag's future, with several reports suggesting that the club hierarchy had already decided to sack the Dutchman, regardless of the FA Cup final result.
In recent weeks, rumours have been swirling about potential candidates to replace the Dutch manager at Old Trafford, with names like Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate linked to the role.
Amid the speculation, Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in Man United in December 2023, has remained tight-lipped about Ten Hag's fate.
Following the FA Cup victory, Ratcliffe was seen congratulating the team when a reporter asked directly, "Sir Jim, is Erik [ten Hag] staying?" However, the British billionaire declined to respond and instead walked away alongside his right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford.
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Erik Ten Hag future still uncertain despite FA Cup win
Ten Hag has endured a turbulent campaign, with his injury-ravaged squad finishing eighth in the Premier League - their worst end to a season since 1990.
However, the FA Cup victory ensures the Red Devils will play in the Europa League next season, pushing Chelsea to the Conference League and leaving Newcastle United without continental cup competition for the 2024-25 season.
While the club's future direction is still unclear, Ten Hag has remained defiant, celebrating the hard-fought victory and expressing his desire to continue leading Man United.
Ratcliffe, who will be responsible for making the final call on Ten Hag's future, has already made significant changes behind the scenes and is due to lead a post-season assessment alongside United officials next week.
Devesh Jaganath
