Erik ten Hag convinced he has Sir Jim Ratcliffe backing after 25% takeover of struggling Man Utd and says ‘they want me’

ERIK TEN HAG believes he has the backing of the new controllers of football at Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a 25 per cent investment in the club and with his INEOS Sporting Director Sir Dave Brailsford will oversee the whole playing side.

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Erik ten Hag believes he has the backing of Man Utd’s new football chiefs[/caption]

Reuters

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS completed their 25 per cent buy in last week[/caption]

PA

Sir Dave Brailsford was in attendance at Old Trafford to watch Man Utd beat Aston Villa 3-2[/caption]

This has led to debate as to whether the current Red Devils boss will be their man going forward.

But Ten Hag said: “They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings, we will see.”

Ten Hag has so far put off any direct talks with Ratcliffe since his investment was confirmed due to the packed festive schedule.

He said: “I’m focused on the game so far, so I said no, in this moment I don’t want to have distractions but in the coming days, weeks, there will be time for this, and then I’ll know more.

“But I think it’s a good thing, it’s very positive. We are really looking really forward to working together. Ineos wants to work with me, in this structure and I want to work with them.

“The schedule is so condensed so I didn’t have the time so far to speak with them but it will come. And I look forward to it.” 

Ten Hag had the perfect start with Brailsford looking on from the stands as United bounced back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on an emotional Boxing Day night at Old Trafford.

But the boss said that no matter who is running matters at the club that should not affect the attitude on the pitch.

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He said: “We always want to win, it doesn’t matter who is the leader.

“We are appointed here to win, so in this area, we need a winning culture no matter who is the leader, no matter who is the owner. But of course, the owners can inspire you.”

The victory was proof for Ten Hag of the spirit that remains in the camp despite a topsy turvy season wrecked by injuries.

Ten Hag said:  “I think not any team can deal with so many setbacks.

“We proved it against Liverpool against Arsenal, against Villa, one two three, we went head to head.

“We could have won all games… we showed how hungry we are, the determination, the right mentality, then we can beat anyone.”

Ten Hag will now want to see that same hunger when they visit Nottingham Forest.

They have a new manager in Nuno Espirito Santo who oversaw a 3-1 away win at Newcastle on Boxing Day.

He said: “You saw the reaction with a new manager incoming in, you see the spirit, we have to be ready for that.

“They have built the confidence but that is what we did as well and we have to continue.”

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