- Billionaire Ratcliffe would take control of the club’s football operations
- Man United boss Ten Hag was on the verge of a ‘reset’ of his squad in January
- City had their pants pulled down by a development team – It all starts
Erik ten Hag will reportedly be backed with a transfer war after Sir Jim Ratcliffe sealed his £1.3 billion deal for a 25 percent stake in Manchester United.
A deal is close for British billionaire Ratcliffe to take control of the club’s football operations, almost a year after the Glazers confirmed they were open to investment.
The Sun Report The under-pressure Dutchman is set to carry out a ‘reset’ of his squad in January – and is said to be targeting a full-back and a winger.
It is also claimed that Ratcliffe has drawn up a plan to move exiled £73m winger Jadon Sancho, £85m flop Antony and £36m striker Anthony Martial in January.
The Sun quotes a United source as saying that Ten Hag’s eyes remain ‘very firmly’ on securing a Champions League place.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billion deal for a 25 percent stake in Man United could soon be approved
Man United boss Erik Ten Hag is ready to carry out a ‘reset’ of his squad in January
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The source said: ‘January will be an important month for United. The deal involving Sir Jim should be completed by then, freeing up funds for Ten Hag to reset his squad.
‘He is aiming for an attacker who can play on both flanks and a right wing-back.’
No documents have yet been signed in Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billion deal, but the end to a saga that began almost a year ago is in sight.
Those with knowledge of the situation say there is a chance the deal could be announced this week, but next week is more likely.
The anniversary of an exhausting process that began when the Glazers confirmed they were open to investment is November 22.
Despite the uncertainty, Ratcliffe is reportedly preparing a fire sale to rid the Red Devils of three of their underperforming stars.
The British billionaire would take control of the football operations as part of his minority deal, and it is also thought he will pledge £245 million to improve infrastructure.
As part of his overhaul of the club, he will consider alternative plans to renovate and expand Old Trafford and improve facilities in and around the famous old ground.
Old Trafford was one of England’s most iconic stadiums, but the roof has been leaking for years.
The facilities are also outdated compared to Tottenham’s new home and Manchester City’s stadium.
Ratcliffe plans to pledge £245 million to improve the club’s infrastructure.
Man United could also sell Jadon Sancho (left) and Anthony Martial (right) in January
Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford ground has slowly fallen into disrepute
Despite the shortcomings at Old Trafford, Mail Sport has learned that the majority of that money will go towards a new training center rather than the stadium.
It is estimated that between £150 million and £200 million has been spent on modernizing the Carrington training ground.
United have lost nine of their 18 games in all competitions this season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League.
The Ten Hag team is at the bottom of the group in the Champions League after the 4-3 defeat at FC Copenhagen.