Erik ten Hag has said that he is yet to speak to Manchester United’s new investors after it was announced Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, had acquired a 25% stake in the club.
After protracted talks over a minority acquisition of the Red Devils, Ratcliffe’s regime has been finalised with potential investment available ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Ten Hag was asked whether he had held discussions with Ratcliffe, but said his immediate focus was on this weekend’s game with Nottingham Forest.
“As you said, the schedule is so condensed I didn’t have the time so far to speak with them but it will come,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference.
“I look forward. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see.
“I’m focused on the game so far, 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 for us, then I’ll know more.
“I think it’s a good thing, it’s very positive. We are looking really forward to work 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.”
United travel to face a Nottingham Forest side who beat Newcastle last time out, to earn their first win under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Ten Hag believes the arrival of the ex-Wolves head coach will have provided this weekend’s opponents with a lift.
“With them, you see the reaction with a new manager is coming in. You see the spirit, we have to be ready for that.
“It’s always about us but be aware of it, be aware they have the right spirit. Of course, they built the confidence but that is what we did as well and we have to continue in the performance.”
