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Erik ten Hag unaware of any Sir Jim Ratcliffe developments

Erik ten Hag unaware of any Sir Jim Ratcliffe developments
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that he is "not involved" in any matters regarding the ownership of the club.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he is "not involved" in any matters regarding the ownership of the club amid the alleged recent developments.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly preparing to purchase a 25% stake in the club for around £1.4bn, having reached a breakthrough in negotiations with the current owners, the Glazer family.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani had thought to have been in pole position to complete a 100% takeover before deciding to withdraw his interest last weekend.

Ratcliffe's deal is expected to be confirmed over the next few weeks, although the owner and founder of INEOS might not be able to make his presence felt until next season.

Ten Hag was asked about Ratcliffe during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with Sheffield United, but the Dutchman said that he is "not involved" in the process.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023© Reuters

"No. So I'm not involved in this, others in the club are dealing with this," he told reporters on Friday afternoon.

"I'm focusing on my team, focusing on the current block and the most important priority is the next game. It's all about that."

Ratcliffe is said to be determined to complete a gradual takeover of the Red Devils, with his valuation of the club said to be around £6bn, almost £1bn more than Sheikh Jassim's final offer.

Man United will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League on Saturday, having recorded a much-needed 2-1 victory over Brentford before the international break, with Scott McTominay scoring twice in second-half stoppage time at Old Trafford.

"You can't restart but what you can do is... what you see is there is a strong dressing room, they are aligned, on one page, they are so determined and willing to win games, that is what we have seen in the last couple of mins," Ten Hag added when asked about what the victory over Brentford last time out meant.

Manchester United's Scott McTominay celebrates his goal against Brentford on October 7, 2023© Reuters

"In the end, we beat them and physically we were very strong, mentally, we kept going and were very strong."

Ten Hag also commented on Bruno Fernandes's role in the side, with the captain forced to play in different positions this term due to the team's substantial problems in terms of absentees.

"As a squad, in periods of the season, you have to deal with certain situations like injuries, at full-back and right wing in last couple of games," he added.

"We have to find solutions. Bruno is a very good right winger as well, he has his freedom there, playing not typical but coming inside more, the 10 role and always you want to use a player like this, he's a player that creates one of the most chances in all of the games."

Fernandes has found it difficult to show his best form in the early stages of the campaign, but he has still contributed two goals and two assists in 10 appearances.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023
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