Erik ten Hag insists he is backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe amid replacement rumours

Erik ten Hag insists he has the backing of new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and believes Ineos can inspire the club to go to the next level.

Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion purchase of 25 per cent of United was announced on Christmas Eve and Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford was in the stands at Old Trafford on Tuesday to see Ten Hag’s side kick off the new era with a 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa.

The arrivals of new investors has cast doubt over Ten Hag’s future at United after a rocky start to the season, but the Dutchman is confident that he has the support of Ineos even though he hasn’t had chance to speak to them in person yet.

‘They want to work with me and I want to work with them,’ said Ten Hag. ‘We will have the conversations and meetings, we will see.

'The schedule is so condensed I didn't have the time so far to speak with them but it will come. I look forward.

‘I'm focused on the game so far, so I said no, 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.’

On Brailsford’s presence at the Villa game, Ten Hag added: ‘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. Of course, owners can inspire you.

‘It showed once again this squad is strong and even many players not on board, even then we can compete, go head to head with the strongest team, teams in this league.

'When the players are back we can beat anyone if the