Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira says Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should not be concerned about interference if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club from the Glazers.

Vieira worked under Ratcliffe at Nice and, asked about the Englishman’s style of ownership, he said that it was very much a hands-off approach:

“He’d never interfere with my work. We’d talk about football when we met, about the team and our lives, but he’s not an owner who will get involved too much and prevent the manager from doing his job. His ambitions and expectations are high, so you know where you stand, but you can do your job freely.”

Going by what Vieira says then it appears that ten Hag will be allowed to get on with his job undisturbed, which will come as welcome news to the Dutchman.

It should be pointed out that, at the time of writing, Ratcliffe has not won the battle with Sheikh Jassim to become the club’s next owner but reports in the English media over the past week have suggested that the billionaire could become the preferred bidder.

Ratcliffe is only expected to buy a majority stake if he does come out on top in the bidding process, rather than taking a 100% controlling interest.