Erik ten Hag was responsible for £175k-a-year “body language expert” hire that left Sir Jim Ratcliffe shocked | OneFootball

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was reportedly the one responsible for the controversial hiring of a £175k-a-year “body language expert” that left co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in disbelief.

Since he assumed operational control of United in February last year, Ratcliffe has implemented a number of ruthless cost-cutting measures intended to return the club to profitability after years of mismanagement and neglect by the Glazer family.

A central part of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting strategy has involved widespread staff reductions. Last summer, United let go of around 250 employees, and approximately 200 more are expected to be affected in the latest round of redundancies.

Earlier this year, Ratcliffe revealed that United had a body language expert who was earning £175,000 per year.

The Athletic have now shed light on the matter, revealing that it was Erik ten Hag who approved the expert’s appointment, despite the club viewing it as a “luxury” hire.

According to the newspaper, “Ratcliffe had less regard for what he termed a ‘body language consultant’, earning £175,000 per year at United. It can be revealed that the person in question was hired by Ten Hag to primarily help players recognise relevant facial expressions during penalty shootouts.”

“Ten Hag wanted to improve a record of one win in six previous series, and worked with players using the consultant to establish confidence in shooting and saving and also reading the opponent taker or goalkeeper.”

“The appointment was considered a luxury by United executives, but worthwhile in backing a manager.”

It’s understood Ratcliffe felt differently and did not see the need for such a role at Old Trafford.

The Athletic add that there is a belief internally that Ratcliffe is “getting more involved than expected” at the club because of the manner in which the 2024/25 season unfolded.

United finished in 15th place in the Premier League, having suffered 18 defeats and gained just 42 points.

The INEOS billionaire is seen as wanting to remedy the situation as quickly as possible and make the Red Devils a truly competitive outfit once again.

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