More mediocrity for Man Utd?! Erik ten Hag not required to secure top-four finish for Red Devils in 2024-25 as Sir Jim Ratcliffe names priorities

The Red Devils are entering a new era with minority shareholders Ratcliffe and his INEOS group in charge of the football activities of the club. The British billionaire has already brought several changes off the field at the Premier League club, including changing the work culture and also roping in a sporting director, Dan Ashworth.

After finishing the 2023-24 season in eighth position in the league - their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era - fans will hope that the club will make significant improvements in the upcoming campaign.

However, according toThe Guardian, Ratcliffe has not given any specific target to manager Ten Hag as he wants to make baby steps to achieve footballing success in the long run. INEOS are currently focusing on improving the existing infrastructure of the club and have sanctioned a £50 million ($64m) overhaul of the Carrington training base. As a result, the new co-owners will not pressure the Dutch manager to guide the club to a top-four finish in the league.

United have already completed the signings of Lille defender Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. The English giants, however, remain in search of a full-back and midfielder to further bolster their squad.

Ten Hag's side will play their third pre-season friendly on Saturday as they take on Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as their tour of the US begins.