INEOS ‘want to work with me’ – Man United boss Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has not spoken to INEOS after chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in the club, but said the new investor was keen to work with him.

United confirmed the deal – worth around £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) – on Sunday, with Ratcliffe also intending to invest a further $300 million into the club for “enable future investment in Old Trafford”. He will also take responsibility for football operations at United.

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Ten Hag said the move was positive for the club and hopes to meet with Ratcliffe and INEOS in the coming weeks.

“The schedule is so tight that I haven't had time to speak with them, but it will come,” he said at a press conference on Friday.

“I'm eager to [to talking]. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have conversations, meetings. We will see.”

As well as Ratcliffe's involvement, sources have told ESPN that two seats on the football board will go to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc.

Brailsford was in the stands as United came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Ten Hag said he was yet to meet the new investors as he wanted to focus on his team's visit to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

“So far I'm focused on the game, so I said no [to discussions]. Right now, I don't want to be distracted. In the coming days, weeks, we will have time for ourselves, so I will know more,” Ten Hag added.

“I think it's a good thing, it's very positive. We're really looking forward to working together. INEOS wants to work with me in this structure and I want to work with them.

We always want to win, no matter who is the leader. We are appointed here in this field, we need a winning culture, no matter who is in the lead, no matter who is the owner. But, of course, the owners can inspire you.