PASS THE DUTCHY

Man United investor Ratcliffe has refused to show confidence in Erik ten Hag

ERIK ten Hag fears he is running out of allies at Manchester United as he battles to save his job.

Ten Hag believes he has become increasingly isolated at Old Trafford following the arrival of new investor Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe (below) has made sweeping changes to senior positions, leaving Ten Hag with fewer people he feels he can trust.

The Dutchman suffered his latest blow this week when director of football John Murtough left United as part of the overhaul.

Murtough instrumental in appointing

Ten Hag from Ajax in 2022, and worked closely with him on a number of big signings.

He agreed to step down after being told he would not be part of the club’s long-term future.

Richard Arnold left as chief executive earlier this season and Ratcliffe has poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City as United’s new CEO.

Negotiations with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth are ongoing, with United refusing to pay €23.4m in compensation.

But United are confident of was thrashing out a deal for Ashworth before the autumn, while talks with Southampton over their director of football Jason Wilcox are continuing, with Ratcliffe keen to appoint him before the summer transfer window.

Changes

The changes have left Ten Hag feeling like his face no longer fits.

Ratcliffe has refused to give Ten Hag a vote of confidence, and has made it clear that Champions League qualification is the minimum requirement this season. United are languishing in sixth, 11 points adrift of the guaranteed Champions League places.

They have taken just two points from their last three games and Ratcliffe will not hesitate in sacking Ten Hag should United fail to secure a place in club football’s elite competition.

Ratcliffe has made Gareth Southgate (inset) his No.1 target to replace Ten Hag, should he decide to make a managerial change but luring the England boss to Old Trafford this summer could prove complicated.