Why Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not at Old Trafford for Manchester United loss to Tottenham
Manchester United endured a torrid afternoon against Spurs at Old Trafford, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not in attendance.
Spurs cut through United's defence at will, eventually finishing with a 0-3 victory. United's captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half of the match; he appeared to lose his foot in before lunging towards James Maddison, catching his shin in the process.
The rain poured at Old Trafford which mirrored the mood of the stadium and Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman's job will, once again, be scrutinised by the United supporters and board. However, luckily for both Ten Hag and Ratcliffe, the United co-owner was not present to witness the mauling in Manchester.
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Instead, the 71-year-old was in attendance showing support for INEOS Britannia at the 2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Final in Barcelona. The event is a Challenge Selection Series sailing competition. The Spanish weather may have given Ratcliffe some rest bite but the heat on Ten Hag will, no doubt, ramp up in the coming days and weeks if his side's form does not improve soon.
Former United forward, and current assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as the favourite to replace Ten Hag, if he were to be relieved of his duties at United.
Earlier this year, Ratcliffe spoke about Ten Hag, showing support despite rumours that the FA Cup final victory over Man City saved his job. The INEOS chief said: "Erik is a good guy and had been doing his best, but doing too much," the United co-owner told the Times. "He was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time."