Man Utd part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'wants to change manager role' at the club

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to slash Erik ten Hag's responsibility as he eyes a long-term change to the managerial role at Manchester United.

United's new part-owner is keen to minimise the duties of the manager to the training pitch and matches.

Ten Hag has had significant sway over recruitment during his time at Old Trafford, but Ratcliffe wants incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada to take charge of that area.

Whether or not Ten Hag stays beyond the summer - Gareth Southgate is his favoured replacement - Ratcliffe is eager to implement the change.

It will see the 'manager' position switched to that of a 'head coach', as reported by The Telegraph.

United's greatest manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, had an all-encompassing role but clubs are increasingly limiting the focus of their bosses to the pitch.

Arsenal have bucked the trend with Mikel Arteta, changing his title from head coach to manager in his second season and giving him wider control.

Ten Hag has enjoyed a strong say in the transfer market. His former Ajax charges Antony and Andre Onana have been brought in for enormous fees, while he got his wish with Casemiro and Mason Mount.

However, his position has come under increasingly scrutiny this season.

An ignominous exit from the group stages of the Champions League has been compounded by chuntering, inconsistent league form. The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League.

The dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend was a huge boon, proving that his side can compete with the country's top sides - and keeping their hopes of silverware alive.

However, an FA Cup victory might not be enough to save his job. Louis van Gaal was booted out shortly after lifting the trophy