Erik ten Hag offers defiant response to Sir Jim Ratcliffe audition claim

Erik ten Hag insists he has nothing to prove to new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe amid rumours that changes at Old Trafford in the coming months could include the manger.

Ratcliffe is conducting a thorough audit of the club following his purchase of an 27.7% stake, led by chief sporting aide Sir Dave Brailsford. But with United failing to kick on this season after Ten Hag's promising debut campaign, speculation is rife that the Dutchman could be a victim if the INEOS contingent were to decide come summer there is a better way forward.

Speaking ahead of a crunch FA Cup fifth round clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, where United previously lost in the Premier League in December, Ten Hag denied feeling as though he is on trial or effectively auditioning to keep his job.

"No, but I want to win every game," he said. "I also know I'm in a process so I know what I'm doing. I have had many talks [with Ratcliffe and Brailsford] consistently. We have talks and we're talking about the future. We're talking about a future together, so I'm focusing on those two points.

"I am here. I have a contract for three seasons, so I don't care," he added when further pressed if he would prefer Ratcliffe to publicly back him beyond doubt.

"I am in this process. I'm only focusing on the process. So I don't care what's going on around me. And yes, I have many talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, especially also with Sir Dave Brailsford, and others in that group. I know what we are talking about. I have a strong belief and I feel that they believe me.

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"I'm not thinking about it. It's not about me, it's about the process, and I have to manage the process. So I'm not focusing about my personal circumstances. I am just focusing on the team. And I have to find solutions for the teams so that they perform in the best way they can. Focus on that and don't get distracted by any noise or whatever.

"If you talk about one defeat and then the manager's position is in discussion, I think it's quite opportune after two months without a defeat. So I can't pick something from this, I can't take it seriously. I have to stay focused, again, on the team and on the team's performance."

Prior to a shock home defeat at the hands of Fulham over the weekend, United had won four consecutive Premier League games and were unbeaten across all competitions in 2024.

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