TalkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan has urged Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to snub one manager as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe captured his minority stake in Manchester United in 2023, which was ratified by both the Premier League and the English FA back in February.
The 71-year-old British billionaire has his Ineos organisation at the helm of football operations at Old Trafford after his part purchase of United was approved.
United have started to see behind-the-scenes changes at Old Trafford, including the appointment of Omar Berrada as the Red Devils’ new chief executive.
Aside from the changes happening at Old Trafford behind the scenes, Erik ten Hag’s future has been plunged into doubt amid Ratcliffe and Ineos’ arrival.
Ten Hag has endured a turbulent second season at United and the Dutchman’s fate at Old Trafford remains shrouded in mystery amid a lacklustre campaign.
United have been linked with several managers as replacements for the under-fire Ten Hag, who is weathering the storm of fierce criticism over his side’s season.
Jordan urges Ratcliffe to snub manager
Speaking on talkSPORT, Simon Jordan admitted that he remains unconvinced that Erik ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford under the Sir Jim Ratcliffe regime.
However, the 56-year-old former Crystal Palace chairman does not want England boss Gareth Southgate to replace Ten Hag if the Dutchman were sacked.
Gareth Southgate has been linked with United in recent months and the England manager’s future with the national team remains uncertain post-Euro 2024.
The 53-year-old will lead the Three Lions to the tournament in Germany this summer, but Southgate is out of contract with England in December.
When asked by co-host Jim White if he had to pick between Ten Hag and Southgate, Jordan said: “What’s that, is that which disease you’d like to have least?
“Is that what you’re suggesting? With due respect, what you’re saying is pitch these two individuals against each other as a race to the bottom, in which disease do you want least, which affects you the least.”
Jordan talks Ten Hag and Man Utd
Despite his preconceived notions about Ten Hag, Jordan admitted the former Ajax boss could be kept at United if something else happens behind the scenes.
Ten Hag’s up-and-down season at United could still end on a high note if the Red Devils can defy the odds and beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final this month.
“Ten Hag, to me, is only a viable option if there’s something you know behind the scenes that the outside world and its eyes can’t see and don’t know,” Jordan said.
“Over two years, you have to see something that indicates a cultural shift and a premise that is far better than the one you inherited.”