Erik ten Hag's dismissal as Manchester United manager was predictable yet still surprising, akin to the shock of touching an electric fence intentionally. This decision marks the most significant move by the new Ineos leadership since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of the club, underscoring a costly error in their previous major decision. While United's FA Cup final victory might have masked many issues, it seems only Ratcliffe and his 'world-class' executives were blind to the inevitable failure of extending Ten Hag's contract in July.
As the main sponsor of a sailing team recently defeated in the America's Cup, Ratcliffe's Ineos Sport group has also overseen the decline of once-dominant cycling and motor racing teams, and now faces the worst All Blacks rugby team in history. None of their three football clubs are thriving. Despite being a cost-conscious billionaire, Ratcliffe's sporting ventures lack the Midas touch that has made him successful in oil, gas, and petrochemicals.
Ratcliffe's initial popularity at United was largely due to his 'man-of-the-people' persona and the fact his name isn't 'Glazer'. However, many of his subsequent decisions have been unpopular. Sacking Ten Hag, though, is unlikely to face the same criticism, especially given the Dutchman's increasingly erratic behavior. His low point? Arguing that a humiliating loss to Spurs didn't count due to a red card overturned on appeal.
Ten Hag was given every opportunity to succeed but failed to show improvement. His dismissal, along with over 200 other staff, is almost a mercy, though he leaves with a multi-million-pound payoff. Speculation about his replacement includes Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rúben Amorim, Thomas Frank, Gareth Southgate, Xavi, Kieran McKenna, and Peter Bosz. The contrasting styles suggest no clear successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Join Niall McVeigh for live coverage of the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Marcel Desailly discusses his future plans and the challenges of modern football governance. Kev McCready comments on Fernandes' message to Ten Hag. Tony Thulborn shares his favorite football headline. Send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. The latest Football Weekly episode discusses Ten Hag's dismissal. Brentford's Thomas Frank is the favorite to replace Ten Hag. Real Madrid cancels its Ballon d'Or delegation plans. Georgia Stanway discusses England's future. The FA aims to boost grassroots football. The Spanish government investigates racist insults during a clásico. Emma Sears scores on her debut for USA. Will Unwin and Jamie Jackson analyze Ten Hag's tenure. Barney Ronay and David Hytner discuss Arsenal vs. Liverpool. Jonathan Wilson explains why elite teams are evolving. Nick Ames questions Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid. Nicky Bandini celebrates Kenan Yildiz's goals. Luke Entwistle on Marseille's tactical errors. Alex Reid on the Ballon d'Or shortlists. John Duerden on Roberto Mancini's job in Saudi Arabia. Ten talking points from the Premier League weekend. A look back at Ruud van Nistelrooy's beginnings.
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