'They want to work with me' - Erik ten Hag relaxed over Man Utd job security following Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover

The Dutch tactician expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of working with the new co-owners following the announcement of Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25% stake in the club for a reported $1.3 billion. Despite facing pressure due to United's inconsistent form this season, Ten Hag is optimistic about the new collaboration and informed that he is looking forward to discussions and meetings in the coming days with the new investors.

Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said: "As you said, the schedule is so condensed, so I haven't had the time so far to speak with them, but it will come, and I look forward [to it]. They want to work with me, and I want to work with them. We will have the conversations, the meetings, so we will see.

"Listen, I'm focused on the games so far. So, as I said, at this moment, I don't want to have distractions but in the coming days, and weeks, there will be time for this and then I will know more. But I think it's a good thing, it's very positive, we are really looking forward to working together. INEOS wants to work with me, with this infrastructure, and I want to work with them."

It has been reported that United cannot show the door to Ten Hag without the consent of INEOS. In fact, every major sporting decision, including transfers, must be ratified by Ratcliffe's group. However, they are planning a major overhaul at Old Trafford which could see cutbacks resulting in potential job loss of hundreds of workers.

United eked out a narrow 3-2 win over Aston Villa in their last Premier League outing which lifted some of the pent-up pressure on a beleaguered Ten Hag. However, his role will once again come under scrutiny if the Red Devils falter on the road against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.