Ineos seem to be treating ETH as a consolation prize as goodwill dwindles

INEOS are a little fortunate that this can still - just about - constitute their honeymoon period.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made enough positive steps since taking charge of football operations at United that his botched handling of Erik ten Hag's future can just about be overlooked.

But make no mistake, this has been a desperate couple of weeks for the new footballing figureheads at Old Trafford. In just over three months Ratcliffe has brought ambition and clarity to a club that was losing its way, but the goodwill generated is in danger of being squandered.

You dread to think what the reaction would be if it was the Glazers overseeing an end-of-season process that is becoming as messy and protracted as this one at United.

There would be a justified outcry from supporters, particularly given the man being shown the least respect of all is somebody those fans have a strong bond with.

It should be said that what Ineos are doing comes from a position of wanting what is best for the club. 'Walk towards the right decision rather than run to the wrong one, as the maxim of Ratcliffe makes clear.

The problem is they are only leaving themselves with one possible decision.