Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has expressed concerns over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s handling of Manchester United’s management structure, believing the co-owner made a significant error in how he has supported the team’s manager, Erik ten Hag. Wyness specifically points out that Ratcliffe’s decision to allow Ten Hag to expand his backroom staff could lead to complications for the club down the line.
The managerial situation at Manchester United has been closely scrutinized since last summer. Amid uncertainties about Ten Hag’s future, the club chose to back him, providing him the freedom to bolster his coaching staff.
This resulted in Ten Hag bringing in former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Dutch coach Rene Hake to support him in the 2023-2024 season. These moves were intended to provide stability and enhance the club’s performances on the field.
However, Manchester United has experienced a slow start to the current season, raising concerns about whether Ten Hag’s decisions regarding recruitment and team strategy were the right ones. The club’s underwhelming form has prompted criticism, with many questioning if Ten Hag’s approach is what the team needs to return to the top of the Premier League.
In an interview with *Football Insider*, Wyness was vocal about his view that Ten Hag has relied too heavily on bringing in Dutch personnel, which he believes could backfire. He noted that even when there were uncertainties about Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford last season, Ratcliffe permitted the manager to expand his coaching setup.
According to Wyness, this decision was a mistake and could lead to challenges, especially if the club finds itself needing to make a managerial change midway through the season.
Despite Manchester United’s recent narrow victory over Brentford, they still sit in 11th place in the Premier League standings. This is far from the top-four positions that the club is expected to compete for, intensifying the pressure on Ten Hag to turn things around quickly.
Though the club invested heavily in the summer transfer window, there has been a clear disconnect between that financial support and the performances on the pitch.
Ten Hag, who led Manchester United to an FA Cup victory last season, has been unable to carry that success into the new campaign. As a result, doubts are now being raised about his long-term future at the club. Speculation is already swirling that Manchester United’s hierarchy may be exploring alternative managerial options in case the team’s fortunes do not improve soon.
The next few weeks are expected to be critical for Ten Hag, as the club evaluates whether to stick with him or seek a new direction ahead of crucial fixtures.
The uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position highlights the challenges Manchester United faces in balancing short-term results with long-term ambitions. If the team’s struggles continue, Ratcliffe’s decision to back Ten Hag could come under further scrutiny, potentially forcing the club into making tough decisions regarding their managerial leadership.
