Erik ten Hag says the incoming investment from Ineos into Manchester United is a “good thing” although he is yet to meet new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent purchase of United was confirmed on Christmas Eve with Ten Hag believing it will herald a new positive era for the club.
Read our other sports news stories here:
PDC World Darts Championship – Friday’s preview
Hojlund explains relief after breaking Premier League duck
Walker tells Foden to stay grounded after Everton display
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Nottingham Forest, the Dutchman said: “We are 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, it doesn’t matter who is the leader. We are appointed here in this area, we need a winning culture no matter who is in the lead, no matter who is the owner. But, of course, owners can inspire you.”
Ten Hag said it was his decision not to meet with Ratcliffe or other senior Ineos figures given the busy Christmas schedule.
He added: “I’m focused on the games, so I said no [to discussions]. In this moment I don’t want to have distractions. In the coming days, weeks, there will be time, then I’ll know more.”
United head to the City Ground on the back of a rousing 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Rasmus Hojlund grabbing the winner to complete a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down.
Ten Hag’s side remain wildly inconsistent but he believes that win shows they can compete with anyone when it all comes together.
“We proved, despite all the setbacks, not any team can deal with so many setbacks we had,” he said.
“The number of points we are not satisfied [with], but you have to be pleased. When we have all the players back, the squad is strong.
“Against Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, the top three teams in the league, we went toe-to-toe. We can beat anyone.”
Ten Hag will choose from a depleted squad once again this weekend with the bulk of his walking wounded not returning until January.
“It will be a similar squad as we had against Villa,” he said. “Mid-January we expect many players back. Mason [Mount], Casemiro, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Tyrell] Malacia, Harry Maguire, of course. We expect many players to return in January.”
