Man Utd approach for new manager could be 'blocked' by the Glazers

Manchester United’s approach for a new manager could be “blocked” by the Glazers, a fresh report has claimed.

The Times has claimed Erik ten Hag is “on thin ice” at United after overseeing the club’s worst start to a season in 61 years.

Indeed, United were handed a pair of comprehensive defeats to neighbours Manchester City and Newcastle United this week alone.

And quoting a “senior source” at Old Trafford, the publication reported that the Dutchman is at risk of being sacked should he fail to improve his team’s poor form.

United insisted in a statement on Thursday that it was “categorically false” that they were exploring alternatives to the Dutchman.

Nevertheless, The Times claimed that Sporting manager Ruben Amorim and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane could be viewed as potential replacements.

The situation, however, is said to be hugely complicated by uncertainty over ownership at Old Trafford, exacerbated by the Glazer family’s deliberating.

A year on from the Glazers announcing they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group appear in waiting to complete a purchase of 25 per cent of the club.

The British petrochemicals billionaire hopes to take responsibility for decisions over footballing matters at United, such as the manager’s position.

In turn, no decision on Ten Hag is likely to be made on Ten Hag until Ratcliffe is in place. A deal could allegedly be agreed next week, but it may take until the new year to be finalised.

Meanwhile, that partial takeover is expected to have implications for CEO Richard Arnold’s future, another key figure who would be involved in any decisions over a potential new manager.

While United are adamant that they are committed to Ten Hag and believe he can turn their fortunes around, that could change under Ratcliffe’s ownership.

However, priorities for Ineos, whenever it does begin to have some control, are said to be with other key positions such as chief executive, sporting director and establishing a football board.

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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.