That was certainly the view of Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford in their early discussions about investment in United. Even as that deal reached the final stages towards the end of 2023 they remained confident they had the right manager, just not the right structure.
Now, with the end of the season in sight, the structure is coming together, but their biggest decision has become about the man who will always be the figurehead of any football club.
Ten Hag is in danger of overseeing United's worst-ever Premier League season and falling short of European qualification for next season.
For most United managers, that is unsurvivable.
Ten Hag does have some mitigation, however, in terms of a chronic and unrelenting injury crisis and he also has credit in the bank. That's why Ratcliffe was so sure he had the right man in the first place.
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