Erik ten Hag's Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks futile attempt to save Man United job as one issue remains

For years Manchester United fans have criticised the boardroom for failing to hold a proactive relationship with the manager, leading to a disjointed relationship in the leadership structure.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of United, he has taken a more hands-on role regarding the men's team. His appointments of sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada as well as Jason Wilcox were all praised from both inside and outside of the club.

That's why there is a sense of reassurance that Ratcliffe spoke with Ten Hag following the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The United boss declared that the pair discussed how they can 'improve the process' at Old Trafford with the indication being that talks revolved around the long-term project rather than short-term gain.

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"We're talking continually, but we are talking about how we can improve the process," he told Sky Sports. "We are all very impatient and our fans are and they are entitled to but we are definitely as well."

While discussions in the long-term are all well and good, they are ultimately futile when it comes to saving Ten Hag's job at Old Trafford given the situation the club currently finds itself in. None of us can know for certain what was discussed between Ten Hag and Ratcliffe but the impression the former has given suggests that topic of conversation circulated about further investment in the team.

At the earliest, this can only be addressed with actions in January. However, the winter transfer window is notoriously difficult to conduct any meaningful business as United attested to at the beginning of the year when they made no moves whatsoever.

Realistically, notable changes can only be made in the summer these days and by that point it could already be too late for Ten Hag. Ratcliffe is a businessman and is acutely aware of how elite sport works.

It is difficult to imagine him allowing Ten Hag another summer if results and performances continue in the current manner. They may be discussing the long-term plan in the wake of the Spurs horror show but make no mistake, the Dutchman's challenge to keep his job is short-term.

Results must start arriving quickly, and no amount of talks regarding the future will change that reality.

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