Erik ten Hag says his players are NOT affected by Manchester United’s ownership saga and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s offer, despite the club’s slow start to the season

Manchester United players will not be distracted by the club’s ownership saga, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to buy a 25 percent stake in the club and take control of the football department.

Manager Erik ten Hag is sure they are focused on Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City, although the future is unclear once Ratcliffe completes his £1.4bn purchase.

“I don’t think the team is affected.” “They don’t think about strategic reviews or structures or whatever,” said ten Hag.

“Of course they are committed to the club, but they are particularly committed to this team.” They want to be successful and are therefore aware that they need cooperation with their teammates.

Erik ten Hag says his players are not affected by Manchester United’s takeover saga

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently close to securing a 25 percent stake in the Premier League club

There are regular protests over the Glazers’ soundtrack games, but the family is expected to retain a large part of the club

“That’s how the players think. They want to play with the best and if the cooperation grows, that’s to their advantage.”

Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford was marked by fan resistance to Glazer ownership.

The Americans appeared poised to eventually sell to Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, but he has withdrawn interest, while The Glazers were keen to sell a stake but retain overall control.

Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan, is also the owner of French club Nice and there could be radical changes to recruitment at Old Trafford if he is given the power.