Omar Berrada has reportedly been given the responsibility of having the final say on Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United.
Berrada is due to take on the role as United’s new chief executive this summer, as he is currently on gardening leave after his defection from Manchester City was confirmed in January.
He has been brought in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS after they aquired 25 per cent of the Red Devils back in December.
One of the biggest decisions they will have to make over the coming months is whether to keep or part ways with Ten Hag, after a poor season for the Red Devils.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News (MEN), Sir Jim Ratcliffe will task Berrada with being the ‘de facto kingmaker’ on any decision taken over Ten Hag’s future – including who would replace him.
It comes as United co-owner Ratcliffe does not want to ‘intervene and determine’ Ten Hag’s fate.
He trusts the footballing expertise of Berrada, who was Man City’s chief football operating officer until his move to United was confirmed.
Another man who could have been under consideration is INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.
Though Brailsford is conducting a thorough audit on United and sits on the football board, the MEN insist he will not decide Ten Hag’s position.
The Red Devils are also looking to make Dan Ashworth their new sporting director.
Ashworth was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after revealing to the club’s hierarchy that he wanted to join the Red Devils.
He has close links with England boss Gareth Southgate, who has recently been linked with the Manchester United job.
Other names linked as potential replacements for Ten Hag include Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter.
Ten Hag is expected to keep his position until the end of the season after some recent positive results, including their epic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.
A big factor could be whether United qualify for the Champions League and they are currently sixth – nine points behind fourth-placed side Aston Villa.
United though could still potentially qualify for the Champions League if they finish fifth, and they also have a game-in-hand over Unai Emery’s side.
