Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is a man under pressure after one of his worst defeats in charge.
Erik ten Hag saw his Manchester United side thrashed 4-0 at Crystal Palace, which has led to more questions over his future.
Now there is debate not just over whether Ten Hag loses his job, but when. Could an interim manager like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or even Steve McClaren fill the void?
Ineos are likelier to take the long-term view rather than a panic move, even with the chance to win the FA Cup available.
Stick with Erik ten Hag through the summer
Ineos could take the view to keep Erik ten Hag, out of support for their next managerial choice.
There is simply too much to change at Manchester United right now in a short space of time, leaving Ineos with a big to-do list.
Would-be sporting director Dan Ashworth is not set to take charge until likely after this transfer window.
So, with that in mind, would it be right to appoint a new manager right now? Would a new boss be getting the full benefit of Ineos’ expertise?
A patient approach may be more fruitful. Let the Ineos team of Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada start setting the scene, with Ashworth to join up in due course.
They can start implementing smart practices across the football club from top to bottom, and create an environment where a new manager can truly flourish.
The Ten Hag situation will play itself out naturally. If he is not the right man, as many suspect, then he will hit a rocky patch next season, and need replacing. That is when Ineos pull the trigger.
Then a new manager comes in, gives the team a lift, and can start to benefit from the groundwork Ineos will have created, with a modern, functional football structure.
Glazer dysfunction is to blame
Ineos are picking up the pieces. This dysfunction at Manchester United is all down to the Glazer family.
They have presided over a sub-standard culture at the club, which has led to poor spending, bad decision making, and the appointment of figures in key positions they had no experience in.
It is a mess which Ineos are trying to clean up, and this takes time, even though patience is not always easy. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed frustration at having to wait.
But Ineos are trying, and they are making early moves, taking a proactive approach and looking at hiring the best in class. Dan Ashworth will be worth waiting for.
Later in 2024, Manchester United should have a structure in place to help a new manager, and not be a hindrance.
Rushing the process and appointing a new manager for July 1 to start simultaneously might work, but it would also be a gamble.