Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has not yet entered into discussions with INEOS following the recent acquisition of a 25% stake in the club by chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

The £1.3 billion deal, confirmed on Sunday, includes Ratcliffe’s commitment to inject an additional $300 million into the club, earmarked for future enhancements at Old Trafford. 

Notably, Ratcliffe will also assume responsibility for football operations at Manchester United.

While the magnitude of this development is evident, Ten Hag revealed in a news conference on Friday that he has not had the opportunity to engage with the new investors due to a packed schedule. 

Despite this, he conveyed a positive outlook on the collaboration and expressed anticipation about forthcoming meetings with Ratcliffe and the INEOS team in the coming weeks.

“The schedule is so condensed I didn’t have the time so far to speak with them, but it will come,” Ten Hag stated. “I look forward [to talking]. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see.”

In addition to Ratcliffe’s involvement, sources disclosed to ESPN that two seats on the football board will be allocated to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc. Brailsford, known for his association with cycling success, was observed in the stands during United’s recent 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag clarified that his decision to defer discussions with the new investors is a strategic one, as he is currently focused on the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. “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,” he added.

Despite the temporary shift in focus, Ten Hag expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing its positive impact. “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,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Ten Hag emphasized the team’s unwavering commitment to a winning culture, regardless of changes in leadership, acknowledging the potential role of owners in inspiring success. The developments surrounding INEOS and Ratcliffe’s stake in Manchester United add a layer of intrigue to the club’s future trajectory, both on and off the pitch.