Since then, Kroes has been sacked in the wake of an insider trading scandal, plunging the Dutch giants into crisis. Nevertheless, sources close to Ten Hag believe that he’ll walk out at the end of the season if Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group don’t give him assurances about their commitment to him. “I don’t put energy into this, if I’m judged fairly or not,” Ten Hag explained. “I know what we are doing here, why I’m here, to bring trophies, to also create economic value, so we are working on those and in a process you have setbacks.

“I look at this and can see it realistically, so I see the nuance, some comments miss that, but I can’t be bothered about it, can’t go into emotions. I see it realistic, rationale, and I’m only focusing on my team, to improve the team and individuals. That’s what I’m here for. I don’ have any concern about what is said on the outside.”

*Your turn! Should Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag? It’s normal pressure because we have the same ambition. “It’s a two-to-three-season challenge to get the organisation and environment right to produce results.

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