Erik Ten Hag Warns Manchester United Against Copying Rivals Man City Blueprint

• Manchester City have dominated rivals United since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson
• United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown an intent to copy City's blueprint
• The Red Devils recently raided the reigning champions for executive Omar Berrada

Erik ten Hag has sent Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a cautionary note in his bid to get the club back to the top.

United have struggled to reclaim their glory since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013.

The Red Devils have yet to taste Premier League victory for nearly a decade now, with their rivals Man City, Liverpool, and even Arsenal currently a few blocks ahead.

According to The Mirror, Ratcliffe conceded he views City as the ultimate football powerhouse, considering their rise to the top over the last couple of years.

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It is believed that Ratcliffe is keen to copy City's blueprint for success after sealing a £1.3 billion deal to buy a 27.7 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club.

Ratcliffe has already raided City by hiring the club's executive, Omar Berrada, to become the Red Devils' new CEO.

Ten Hag sends a warning to Ratcliffe

However, ten Hag has warned the British billionaire against copying City's blueprint at the expense of United's DNA.

Speaking ahead of the 192nd edition of the Manchester derby, the Dutchman said:

“I think you can always learn from opponents who are successful - and you have to do that if you want to go to higher levels," he said.

“But at the same time we have to do it in the United way. This is a different club, with a different environment and with a different DNA," he added.

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United currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League table with 44 points.

They will be hoping to secure a positive result against City on Sunday to boost their bid to finish in the top four.

Ten Hag confident of keeping United job

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag expressing confidence in keeping his job beyond this season.

Ten Hag was appointed United boss in April 2022, and he is currently in his second season with the club.