Ratcliffe was there for crisis talks with manager Ruben Amorim, says BBC Sport.
Advertisement
Advertisement
It's been suggested the meeting had long been scheduled, with Ratcliffe eager to meet face-to-face with Amorim and assure the Portuguese of his support.
So far this season, United have won once - thanks to a stoppage-time penalty against Burnley last month - and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby.
Despite the struggles, Ratcliffe has told confidants that Amorim's team has improved statistically on Erik ten Hag's team.