Handing Erik Ten Hag a new contract was a major mistake, United minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe now says.
After a brutal and inconsistent season in 2023/24 where the record English League winners finished in eighth place amidst protests from fans, United extended the Dutchman's contract but ended up sacking him in late October 2024, just two months into the season and hiring Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.
Ratcliffe admits it was a huge error on his part.
"I agree, the Erik Ten Hag and Dan Ashworth (Former United Director) decisions were errors. I think there were some mitigating circumstances but ultimately, they were errors. I accept that and I apologize, he told the BBC.
"It became clearer three months months later that we got it wrong. But we moved on, he added.
Ratcliffe spoke in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with rivals Arsenal in the league over the weekend and he says that he is backing new coach Amorim to bring back the glory days to Old Trafford.
United are currently placed 14th in the league but Ratcliffe, a life long United fan, believes that the glory days are just three years away by 2028.
" If you look at the squad available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job, to be honest. He is an outstanding young manager and I think he will be here a long time, he added.
Manchester United face off with Spanish side Real Sociedad Thursday at Old Trafford in the second leg of their round of 16 clash in the Uefa Europa League, hoping to make it to the quarter finals. The match is currently well poised at 1-1.
Winning the Europa League represents United's best opportunity at a trophy and with it Champions League qualification.
