• Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion investment into Red Devils finally went through this week
  • Ten Hag said he has ‘many conversations’ with the new co-owner about football
  • Newcastle have gone backwards this season. They are ambitious and have all the resources – but what’s the plan going forward? – It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Erik ten Hag insists he has the backing of new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe but admits that it is vital to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion investment was finally ratified this week with the Ineos owner taking over the entire football operation at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe was reluctant to discuss Ten Hag’s position but suggested that a succession of failed managerial appointments since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 was an indication that the ‘environment’ is to blame.

Ten Hag was asked if he believes Ratcliffe has confidence in him and replied: ‘Absolutely, I had that feeling. We have so many talks, we are very aligned, we have the same ambition, we are very aligned in the process.

‘We speak a lot. There are many conversations with him and with (Sir) Dave Brailsford about this club, about this team and about the structures.

Erik ten Hag (pictured) has insisted Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘absolutely’ has confidence in him

Ratcliffe (pictured) completed his £1.3billion investment into the club, taking over football operations

Ratcliffe (pictured) completed his £1.3billion investment into the club, taking over football operations

Ten Hag said that he speaks to Ratcliffe 'a lot' about football and the 'structures' of the club

Ten Hag said that he speaks to Ratcliffe ‘a lot’ about football and the ‘structures’ of the club

‘We are very aligned. It totally fits with ambitions I have, and the ambitions I had when I came in. I’m 19 months in and I see we are going in the right direction.

‘We have had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming. It’s important to have players fit but also to construct the squad. We will be strong and we will be even stronger when we add to this squad even more qualities.’

Asked if there is more pressure on him now, Ten Hag said: ‘Nothing. No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets.’

The Dutchman however said that United 'have to be in the Champions League' amid a disappointing season so far

The Dutchman however said that United ‘have to be in the Champions League’ amid a disappointing season so far

However, he conceded that securing Champions League football is imperative as United chase a top-four spot. It could prove pivotal in deciding Ten Hag’s future, and even more so with Thomas Tuchel set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

‘We will do everything in our power,’ added the Dutchman. ‘There is strong competition and there are reasons behind it. We still have to catch up, and in this moment where every game is a final for us because we have to be in the Champions League, we belong there but we have to prove it, and the players know this.’

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Post source: Daily mail

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