Erik ten Hag confirms having ‘confrontations’ with new owners

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted to having honest but sometimes confrontational discussions with representatives of “Ineos” when they discussed their collaboration with the “Red Devils.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his chemical company purchased a minority stake in the 20-time champions and took over the operational management of the club.

🔴 Ten Hag OPENS up on what happen during & after INEOS season review process at #MUFC :

🗣️“Yes, communication broke down [with INEOS after the #EmiratesFACup final]”

⏳“It’s not like I panicked. It’s a decision [the job] that was out of my hands. I just waited it out.”

✅… pic.twitter.com/veWHc0x0EO

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After the end of the campaign and the FA Cup victory, it was announced that a comprehensive review of the Dutchman’s work would be conducted to decide if he would remain in charge of the team. Subsequently, both parties decided to continue working together, and the Dutchman even extended his contract until the summer of 2026.

“I wasn’t panicking, and why should I? It was a decision out of my hands. They came to me and gave a very brief argument: we reviewed everything, looked at different options, and ultimately decided that we already have the best possible manager for us,” Ten Hag told reporters. “Then I responded that in this case, we need to discuss things and understand how we will work and collaborate together. We had good and honest discussions, which included some disputes and confrontations. But that’s how it should be at the highest level.”

He continued, “I gave my vision for the season and the overall situation in the club. I pointed out the path I think we should take, but also told them: if you don’t think this is the way, then we should just part ways. I’m happy that in the end, we agreed with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two seasons, I can be proud of the two trophies we managed to win and the many examples of passion we showed after I joined. It should be clear that we have a lot of work ahead of us to reach the level expected of a club like Manchester United.”