“Ten Hag was fixing leaks in the roof last season” — Sir Jim Ratcliffe

In a revealing interview, Manchester United’s new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has opened up about the challenges faced by manager Erik ten Hag during what many saw as a disappointing season.

Despite leading the Red Devils to a third-place finish in his debut season and securing the EFL Cup, Ten Hag found himself under immense pressure as the club slipped to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League last year.

Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a significant stake in the club, shared his perspective on Ten Hag’s struggles, highlighting that the Dutchman was juggling far more than just the typical managerial duties.

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“Erik is a good guy and has been doing his best, but he was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time,” Ratcliffe told The Times.

The metaphor of “fixing leaks in the roof” suggests that Ten Hag was forced to address deep-rooted issues within the club, both on and off the pitch. Of course, this is also a fact that there were reports last season of leaking roofs at Old Trafford.

Last season saw the Red Devils narrowly secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League, thanks to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. This win not only salvaged United’s season but also played a crucial role in keeping Ten Hag at the helm, as rumors swirled about the club’s hierarchy considering replacements.

Ratcliffe’s comments hint at the behind-the-scenes struggles that weighed on Ten Hag, including managing a squad in transition, dealing with internal challenges, and navigating the immense expectations placed on Manchester United managers.

The pressure cooker environment of Old Trafford, combined with the club’s storied history and fan expectations, may have amplified these challenges, leading to a season that fell short of expectations.