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Sir Jim Ratcliffe admits Erik ten Hag "error" as Man United co-owner delivers Ruben Amorim verdict

Ratcliffe admits Ten Hag
© Imago
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe admits that the club made an "error" over Erik ten Hag as well as delivering his verdict on Ruben Amorim's time in charge.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted that it was an "error" not to dismiss Erik ten Hag last summer.

Ten Hag's future was a hot topic of conversation at the end of last season, before it was announced that the club had triggered a one-year extension to extend his deal to the summer of 2026.

The Dutchman managed to avoid the sack after leading Man United to FA Cup glory, ensuring that he began the 2024-25 campaign in the Old Trafford dugout.

However, he was ultimately sacked at the end of October after overseeing a poor start to the campaign, with it costing Man United £10.4m to pay off Ten Hag and his backroom staff.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on October 19, 2024© Imago

Ratcliffe admits Ten Hag regret

Ratcliffe admitted that it was a mistake not to sack Ten Hag when asked by Gary Neville whether he regrets the decision to keep the 55-year-old for the start of the current campaign.

"Yeah, it was the wrong decision," Ratcliffe said on The Overlap. "We made the wrong decision. It was an error. So yeah, I suppose in that sense I regret it.

"I think there was some extenuating or mitigating circumstances in having made that decision, but at the end of the day it was the wrong decision, so hands up, me of course on that one."

Ten Hag was subsequently replaced by Ruben Amorim, who left his role as Sporting Lisbon boss to sign a contract until the summer of 2027.

Amorim has found life difficult since arriving at Old Trafford, having overseen 11 wins, five draws and 10 defeats in his 26 competitive matches in charge.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on February 7, 2025© Imago

Ratcliffe backs Amorim as Man United head coach

While Man United are down in 14th place in the Premier League, Ratcliffe has insisted that Amorim has done well in a difficult situation during his short time in charge.

"I think Ruben has done an excellent job," Ratcliffe said. "I really like Ruben. I think in the circumstances... I mean he arrived mid-season, he didn't have time to train his players in the way in which he wants to play, he inherited a squad which he's had no influence on, and the squad isn't necessarily designed for the way in which he plays football, and English isn't his natural language, and he's never played in the Premier League before, and he's managing the biggest club in the world, and it's a tough place, and he's a young guy.

"If you take all of that into consideration, I think he's done a remarkably good job."

Amorim is currently preparing his players for Thursday's Europa League last-16 clash against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.

The tie is finely poised ahead of the second leg after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian last week.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim in November 2024.
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