Erik ten Hag confident of positive relationship with Ineos

It remains to be seen how well Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos chiefs will work with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman sees the new investment into the club as a positive.

The deal was announced on Christmas Eve, with Ineos investing a minority stake of 25% in United that is awaiting regulatory approval from the Premier League.

United have lost 13 games this season and won 12, finished bottom of their Champions League group and are out of the Carabao Cup – so it goes without saying that the manager is under mounting pressure.

However, a comeback win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day gave everything a much needed lift. Sir Dave Brailsford was in the stands and they will be eager to see another three points added to our season tally on Saturday when the Reds travel to Nottingham Forest.

Ten Hag has confirmed that he has not held any lengthy conversations with Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford due to United’s hectic festive schedule. He explained there will be plenty of time for meetings in the coming weeks or months.

“As you said, the schedule is so condensed I didn’t have the time so far to speak with them but it will come,” Ten Hag told reporters, as per the Manchester Evening News. “I look forward. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see.

“I’m focused on the game so far, so I said no (to discussions). In this moment I don’t want to have distractions. In the coming days, weeks, there will be time for us, then I’ll know more.

“I think it’s a good thing, it’s very positive. We are looking really forward to work together. Ineos want to work with me in this structure and I want to work with them.

“We always want to win, it doesn’t matter who is the leader. We are appointed here in this area, we need a winning culture no matter who is in the lead, no matter who is the owner. But, of course, owners can inspire you.”

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