Following Manchester United's stalemate with Aston Villa, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was giving nothing away about Erik ten Hag's precarious situation at the club.
The goalless draw on Sunday may have provided Ten Hag with a slight reprieve amidst growing scrutiny. Ineos boss Ratcliffe was spotted at Villa Park with his right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, as well as United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada, but left promptly after the match concluded, reports the Mirror.
While Ratcliffe made a quick exit, Ashworth and Berrada were observed exchanging words, according to BBC Sport. A board meeting set for Tuesday is expected to put Ten Hag's role under the microscope. READ MORE: I spotted Ruud van Nistelrooy Man United moment which proves Ineos were right READ MORE: Manchester United star leaves Villa Park in protective boot as Erik ten Hag gives injury update When questioned about Ten Hag's future last Friday, Ratcliffe, who had previously expressed admiration for the former Ajax manager, deferred to United's leadership team.
He told BBC Sport: "I don't want to answer that question...I like Erik. I think he's a very good coach but at the end of the day it's not my call, it's the management team that's running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects. "But that team that's running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.