Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be scrutinized by new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will conduct a comprehensive review of his job performance.

Ten Hag will be able to work with a completely healthy squad to enhance United’s league status, with Ratcliffe expecting a top-four finish.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been granted a respite, but he is still fighting for his job.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the incoming £1.25 billion new investor, will now conduct a forensic end-of-season examination of the United manager’s job performance.

Ratcliffe, a Manchester United fan, is preparing to execute an internal evaluation of key performers inside the business, with his position alongside the Glazers now secure after a 13-month process.

The bad news for ten Hag is that he will be scrutinized alongside other key individuals at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is concerned with the Dutchman’s transfer business, handling of the Jadon Sancho situation, squad management, and injury meltdown, all of which have occurred since he took over as manager of Old Trafford.

After United’s group stage relegation from the Champions League was quickly followed by a shocking 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, speculation grew that ten Hag’s employment was precariously balanced.

The good news for ten Hag is that no decision on his future is expected before the end of the season.

Ten Hag set challenge of a top-four finish

Ratcliffe will offer ten Hag the opportunity to work with a fully fit squad after a slew of serious ailments in the first half of the season.

With no European games on the horizon – after United failed to qualify for the Europa League – ten Hag has a clear path to improving United’s League position.

And, with less distractions after also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup, Ratcliffe is seeking ten Hag, which would put United in contention for a top four spot with 20 games and 60 points to go for between now and May.

United are now eighth in the Premier League, eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and Ratcliffe is said to believe a Champions League finish is not out of the question.

That would undoubtedly increase the pressure on ten Hag, who it is believed would not have been Ratcliffe’s choice as manager if he had been in charge of United at the time of the Dutchman’s hiring in 2022.

And ten Hag will never be able to change it.