Erik ten Hag 'may quit Man Utd' over Sir Jim Ratcliffe request as crunch talks planned

Erik ten Hag could quit as Manchester United manager even if Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to allow him the final year of his contract, according to reports. The Dutchman will likely have to accept a tweaked role if he remains in the Old Trafford dugout beyond the summer, surrendering some of the power he inherited in 2022.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson's 27-year reign, United have been led by managers who hold significant control over decisions, including recruitment.

However, most elite clubs now appoint head coaches, who report to a sporting director that works alongside a chief executive.

Ratcliffe has confirmed he envisages that structure at United as he oversees ruthless change in the club's hierarchy after securing a 27.7 per cent stake in February.

Omar Berrada will arrive from Manchester City as chief executive this summer. Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth and Southampton's Jason Wilcox are expected to him as sporting director and technical director, respectively.

United's new-look structure should result in an altered role for Ten Hag, who would focus more on the coaching element of his job rather than the day-to-day running of the club's football operations.

According to the Star, the Dutchman could look to walk away from Old Trafford if he isn't sold on the idea of essentially losing control over recruitment.

Ten Hag's recruitment record as United manager has been patchy after splurging over £400million in two years, and Ratcliffe is said to be keen on others sanctioning deals in the future.

Of course, the Red Devils' manager would have a say in any transfer but may not be allowed the freedom to buy players he trusts like he has been doing from the Dutch Eredivisie and elsewhere.

The report adds that Ten Hag may not have a say in the matter if United miss out on Champions League qualification this season, the minimum requirement if he is to stand a chance of avoiding the sack.