- Olise is admired by many clubs, while Everton value Branthwaite at around £100 million
- Ratcliffe wants a more data-oriented transfer policy that relies less on Ten Hag
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Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite are reportedly targets for Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to revolutionize the club’s transfer policy and destroy Erik ten Hag’s influence.
Ratcliffe wants to target a younger age profile and use a data-driven approach, as is the case with his other sporting activities at INEOS.
Ten Hag is used to having significant influence over transfers, with the club bringing in former Ajax players Antony and Andre Onana during his tenure.
But Ratciffe – who completed his £1.3 billion buyout of a 25 per cent stake in the club in December – wants to transform the football business.
The me reports that Olise and Branthwaite are on United’s radar and that Ratcliffe has already met with the club’s data experts with the aim of building ‘the best data platform in sport’.
Manchester United will reportedly target Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to overhaul United’s transfer policy, with more attention to youth and dates
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United have already plucked Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new CEO and director of data science. Dominic Jordan, who opened the role in 2022, said he expects his area of expertise to be ‘transformational’ for the squad.
A source told the i: ‘Data is part of the DNA at Ineos, so it’s no surprise it will be a big part of what they do at Manchester United.’
It is clear that United’s current transfer approach, which often aligns with Ten Hag’s preferences and loyalties, has largely been a disaster.
The club signed Antony for £85.5 million in August 2022, with £81.3 million paid up front, which equated to nine goals in 69 games – or, even better, one goal in 25 this season.
In July they spent a further £47.1 million on Onana from Inter Milan, who has one of the best save rates in the Premier League but has a habit of making disastrous mistakes.
While those signings could theoretically have paid off, and perhaps still do, putting the demands of a new manager ahead of the club’s longer vision is generally not conducive to long-term success.
Olise’s name will undoubtedly come up as he is constantly linked with top six clubs.
Erik ten Hag will probably have less say in the club’s policy, which has so far met his preferences
The club spent £85.5 million on Antony and £47.1 million on Andre Onana, who knew Ten Hag at Ajax
Manchester City will reportedly compete for his signature in the summer, while Chelsea and Liverpool were said to be eyeing the Crystal Palace star last month.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton’s most prized defensive asset and they have reportedly slapped a £100million price tag on him to deter his admirers.
Whether United’s affection for the 21-year-old extends to a nine-figure sum is yet to be revealed.
The Premier League is yet to ratify Ratcliffe’s investment in United, but it will be full steam ahead from there.
He has already made a noticeable effort to connect with players and staff, meeting them at Old Trafford and their training center in Carrington.
Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford met manager Ten Hag, men’s team forward Rasmus Hojlund and women’s team players Millie Turner, Katie Zelem and Aoife Mannion last month.
Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford (right) were visibly present at United, meeting staff players
Brailsford and Ratcliffe met a number of first-teamers last month, including Rasmus Hojlund
Ratcliffe and Brailsford also met women’s team manager Marc Skinner, plus members of the club’s academy and performance staff, during their visit.
They also went to Old Trafford to meet with the club’s wider workforce and held an all-staff meeting as they started work at United.
It’s a much more hands-on approach than that of the Glazer family, who are drawing ire for their absence from matches.