Ten Hag isn’t without blame for his part in their recent spending, with over £400m spent across two summers and the fact £85m signing Antony has struggled has not helped the Dutchman, although Ratcliffe accepts that the 53-year-old’s achievements in finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup gives him some prestige.
However, Ten Hag’s results have been far from impressive this season and with nine defeats in 18 games across all competitions, he has presided over the worst start to a season from any manager since Ferguson’s retirement.
But he looks set to be given time to turn their season around, even after their 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen left their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase hanging in the balance.
The club are set for a clearout in January with exiled star Jadon Sancho set to leave just two years after his £73m move from Borussia Dortmund and Antony linked with a move back to his native Brazil. Anthony Martial is another name set to be axed, while the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro and Raphael Varane look uncertain at Old Trafford.
