VIDEO: 'I like Erik!' - Sir Jim Ratcliffe breaks silence on Ten Hag's future but co-owner insists decision is 'not my call' amid growing demands for Man Utd boss to be sacked

Minority owner Ratcliffe was asked about Ten Hag's future at United, with a growing number of fans and pundits alike questioning if he is the right man to take the club forward. The INEOS chief said the Dutchman is a "very good coach" but admitted they are a long way from where they want to eventually be.

He told BBC Sport: “I don’t want to answer that question…I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects. But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – Omar [Berrada, CEO], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth - they only arrived in July. They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost - they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions. Our objective is very clear - we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously - that’s very clear.”

Ten Hag is seemingly on thin ice at United as they are struggling in the Europa League and Premier League, where they are languishing down in 13th. After spending around £200 million ($262m) on transfers this summer, many at the Red Devils would have hoped to be higher up the table. If things don't improve soon, it may just be a matter of time before the ex-Ajax boss is dismissed from Old Trafford.

After securing a thrilling 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday in the Europa League, Ten Hag's team travel to in-form Aston Villa on Sunday as the Premier League returns.