Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stance on sacking Erik ten Hag emerges

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to make a final decision on Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United but new reports suggest the manager may be given another season at the helm to see in INEOS's transition. United's form has drastically improved recently with only one loss from their last five Premier League games.

A 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend saw Ten Hag's side leapfrog the Hammers into sixth place in England's top-flight. They are still some way from a top-four place with eight points between the Red Devils and Aston Villa but the gap is closing.

United's improvement on the pitch will no doubt benefit Ten Hag's position while according to Give Me Sport, the Dutchman's willingness to embrace youth has also helped his case.

There is also an acceptance among United's board that Ten Hag has had to deal with a lot this season. Ten Hag has had to work through months of takeover uncertainty and several significant disciplinary issues including bust-ups with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford as well as high-profile legal cases involving Mason Greenwood and Antony.

INEOS aren't looking to create further instability at the club by sacking Ten Hag after two seasons so it is likely he will stay put past the end of the season. However, that will not be the case if United don't put up a decent challenge for a top-four spot.

The Guardian also backs up these reports by insisting that Ten Hag is safe in his role for the foreseeable future unless United's form drastically declines because the immediate priority for Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford is to work out what is required to return the club to its former glory.

When Ratcliffe and co sat down with Ten Hag to discuss the future of Man Utd last month the Red Devils boss described their talks as 'very positive'. "It was very positive, I have to say," he said. "We had a long meeting, many hours we sit together and on many issues we are on the same page so it was very positive.

"I think from both sides it was a very constructive meeting and we look forward to working with them... We have to let it settle down. They're just coming in, introducing themselves.