Erik ten Hag eyeing talks with INEOS over Man Utd vision
- INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed a minority takeover of Man Utd
- Ratcliffe's group will have control over the club's football business once the deal is approved
- Many fans have urged Ratcliffe to sack Ten Hag and start a new era
By Tom Gott
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted INEOS "want to work" with him going forward.
INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete a minority takeover of the Red Devils once his 25% share purchase is formally approved and many fans have speculated as to whether the new controlling group would look to dismiss Ten Hag and begin a new project in their image.
While Ten Hag is yet to speak with Ratcliffe and INEOS, he insisted he has already received their full backing.
"The schedule is so condensed, I didn't have the time so far to speak with them but it will come," Ten Hag told Friday's press conference. "I look forward [to talks].
"They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see.
"I'm focused on the game so far, so I said no [to talks]. In this moment I don't want to have distractions. In the coming days, weeks, there will be time for us, then I'll know more.
"I think it's a good thing, it's very positive. We are looking really forward to work together. INEOS wants to work with me in this structure and I want to work with them.
"We always want to win, it doesn't matter who is the leader. We are appointed here in this area, we need a winning culture no matter who is in the lead, no matter who is the owner. But, of course, owners can inspire you."
Ten Hag will have made a good impression on INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, who was in attendance for the dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa and is expected to be appointed to the new-look United board.
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