That was certainly the view of Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford in their early discussions about investment in United. Even as that deal reached the final stages towards the end of 2023 they remained confident they had the right manager, just not the right structure.
Now, with the end of the season in sight, the structure is coming together, but their biggest decision has become about the man who will always be the figurehead of any football club.
Ten Hag is in danger of overseeing United's worst-ever Premier League season and falling short of European qualification for next season.
For most United managers, that is unsurvivable.
Ten Hag does have some mitigation, however, in terms of a chronic and unrelenting injury crisis and he also has credit in the bank. That's why Ratcliffe was so sure he had the right man in the first place.
Denne historien er fra May 11, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra May 11, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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REDS ON THE BALL FOR UPCOMING CUP GAMES
BRITISH football brand Mitre, the official ball supplier of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup, has unveiled limited-edition winners' balls for the first time.
Untouchable no more... everyone now has a price
UNITED no longer regard any squad member as 'untouchable' as they prepare for yet another rebuild.
MAINOO 'WANTS TO STAY AT HIS BOYHOOD CLUB'
UNITED youngster Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at his boyhood club after reports linking him with a transfer away.
Let's be Frank, United are told it's a no-go for target Mbeumo
UNITED have been sent a clear Bryan Mbeumo transfer message with a major opportunity on the horizon.
Klopp made late play to nab Sof from Erik's Reds
SOFYAN Amrabat could have made the move to rivals Liverpool over United in 2023 after his agent arranged a covert meeting with then-boss Jurgen Klopp.
Rash reality bites as wage and dip in form make striker difficult to move on
IF United thought that it would be easy to get Marcus Rashford off the books in January - or indeed in the summer - then they may well view things differently now.
How a chat with Pep defined City kid's career
IT'S an open conversation in the City academy that the end goal is almost impossible.
DUO SING PRAISES OF MANAGER'S 'INTENSITY'
LISANDRO Martinez has complimented Ruben Amorim for his 'intensity' and Rasmus Hojlund agrees that you can see the 'passion and fight' inside United's head coach.
AMAD'S NEW DEAL 'ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK'
UNITED could announce Amad's new contract by the end of this week. United head coach Ruben Amorim said on Friday the club is 'close' to finalising a renewal for Amad. Sources say there are no complications with the 22-year-old's new terms and that the club is preparing for the announcement.
Chef cooks his way on to award shortlist
A GREATER Manchester restaurant has been shortlisted for a prestigious food award.
