Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s history with sacking Nice managers shows how safe Ten Hag’s Man Utd job is after shocking start
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S arrival at Old Trafford could spell trouble for Erik ten Hag – given his history of sacking managers at OGC Nice.
The Dutchman has got off to a shocking start this term but will need to switch things up under Ratcliffe – who has purchased a stake in Manchester United.
Ratcliffe, 70, is understood to become an official minority owner of Man Utd – after his £1.3billion offer for 25 per cent of the club.
The Ineos founder and billionaire brings experience in running sports organisations including cycling, rugby and Formula One.
However, United is not the first football team the Brit has taken under his wing.
In 2019, Ratcliffe took over Ligue 1 giants Nice – and has a stern record of sacking managers on the French Riviera.
His history of axing coaches has put Ten Hag’s job in jeopardy as he has got off to the club’s worst Premier League start in 37 years.
The Red Devils have lost five of their first eight matches as well as suffering two Champions League defeats at the hands of Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
And with Britain’s richest man set to have the final say, the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain.
Since taking over Nice in the 2019-20 season, the French giants have sacked five managers – an average of more than one axing per season.
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When Ratcliffe purchased the Ligue 1 side from Chinese-American investor Chien Lee in the summer of 2019, Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira was still the head coach.
But a shocking run of five straight defeats led to his axing in December 2020.
The Arsenal icon’s replacement, Romanian Adrian Ursea, was swiftly fired six months after taking on the leading role at the Allianz Riviera.
Three-time Ligue 1 Manager of the Year Christophe Galtier was lined up next and is the only boss during Ratcliffe’s takeover who left on his own accord.
The Frenchman’s success in assisting Nice to a top-five finish attracted French giants Paris Saint-Germain – for whom Galtier departed in June 2022.
Both Lucien Favre and interim manager Didier Digard only lasted around six months each before getting the boot.
Ratcliffe is clearly not afraid to make tough decisions and with him being a devoted Man Utd fan, Ten Hag’s position is by no means safe.
The Dutchman will need to start delivering results if he wants to continue his career at Old Trafford.
United next take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday October 21.
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