Ten Hag in the dark over impending Ratcliffe-INEOS Man Utd takeover

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is unaware of the details surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed takeover of the club.

Ongoing discussions have taken place between Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who have been exploring the possibility of him acquiring a 25% minority stake in the club. 

This development follows the withdrawal of Sheikh Jassim bin Hammad Al Thani’s Qatari group from the race.

The Glazer family had previously announced their intention to consider selling the club in November last year, prompting fierce competition between Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim.. 

The pair were the primary contenders in the battle to secure ownership of United.

However, Sheikh Jassim’s representatives claimed over the weekend that the Qatari royal had informed the Glazers of his decision to withdraw his bid.

Ten Hag claims he is in the dark about the developments surrounding Ratcliffe’s potential involvement. 

“No, I have not been told anything about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stake, so I’m not involved in this,” Ten Hag said (via Man United’s official website).

“Others in the club are dealing with this. I’m focusing on my team, focusing on the current block, and the most important priority is the next game. It’s all about that.”

United fans will be waiting to see the Ratcliffe deal ratified, but that process might be another lengthy drag. 

There are reports that the deal may not be in place by the turn of the new year, meaning that Ratcliffe and INEOS won’t be in place to oversee the January transfer window.

United have no big plans for the January window but fans will hope to see Ratcliffe at the helm after almost a year of uncertainty.