After confirming his 27.7% ownership in the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasized how crucial it was for Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League.
The Red Devils kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 victory against Everton on Saturday, which brought them within eight points of Aston Villa in fourth.
Ratcliffe’s remarks were interpreted as a clear message to Erik ten Hag, indicating that only Champions League qualification would secure his position.
But Ratcliffe’s message, as reported by the BBC, was more related to the club’s precarious Financial Fair Play situation.
Qualifying for the Champions League would provide United with significantly more financial flexibility for INEOS to carry out their plans at the club.
There had been an anticipation that Ten Hag would be dismissed if Champions League football is not attained.
The irony is that it might be even more challenging to dismiss the Dutchman if United fail to qualify.
Removing Ten Hag with a year left on his contract would incur a cost of around £12m for the club, and given the club’s delicate financial situation, that’s a hefty sum to pay.
INEOS, who are already facing the possibility of paying up to £20m to secure Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United, are presently restructuring the internal operations.
United require substantial investment in their squad, with a striker, central midfielder, centre-back, and left-back needed at the very least this summer.
Ten Hag could therefore be allowed a third season at Old Trafford, keeping him in place until the end of his contract in 2025.
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