Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ‘big plans’ for Man United after agreeing to buy stake for £1.3bn… so what will the future look like at Old Trafford?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has 'big plans' for Manchester United, but he has a mountain of problems to overcome to bring back the glory days
His £1.3 billion deal for 25 percent of Manchester United – which will see him take control of the football operations – has been announced by the club.
Part of what has lured Monaco-based Ratcliffe back to Greater Manchester is the prospect of taking control of United's football affairs.
He will seek advice from legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, while Erik Ten Hag's role is expected to change. according to the Evening Standard.
Ratcliffe's INEOS group – which owns a number of sports clubs including French side Nice – will oversee United's fate following Premier League approval, which is expected to take four to six weeks.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be raising a smile after buying a 25 percent stake in Manchester United
The Glazer family has relinquished 25 percent of United, but remains the majority shareholder
They will then be responsible for everything on the pitch, including signings, and the hiring and firing of managers and football staff.
When United rolled out the red carpet in March to the only two serious bidders – Ratcliffe and a Qatari group led by Sheikh Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani – the 71-year-old made it clear to the Old Trafford hierarchy that he was not impressed. with their performances in the transfer market in the decade of decline since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
It is understood he will work with Sir Dave Brailsford, sporting director at INEOS and the mastermind behind British cycling's triumphs at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and Joel Glazer on a committee overseeing football matters. The rest of the Glazer family will be left behind. retain a majority stake in order to take control of the commercial branch.
It has been reported that Ratcliffe will lean on legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice and guidance.
As things stand, it is clear that there are no plans to replace coach Erik ten Hag, despite United having lost thirteen games in all competitions this season, more than before Christmas in any season since 1930.
Because there are so many other areas that need to be addressed, no other management candidates will be considered for the time being.
However, it is expected that Ten Hag's role will change and will focus exclusively on coaching the team. Since the former Ajax boss was appointed in 2022, United have shifted their recruitment approach to allow for more input from the manager.
As a result, the Dutchman has largely brought in players he knows from the Eredivisie, such as goalkeeper Andre Onana, defender Lisandro Martinez and Brazilian striker Antony, for huge fees and limited success.
Ratcliffe therefore plans to change the policy and introduce a transfer hierarchy that fits the setup at champion Manchester City, where CEO Ferran Soriano and football director Txiki Begiristain provide the right players for Pep Guardiola.
Ratcliffe said: “As a local boy and lifelong supporter, I am very pleased that we have been able to reach a deal with the Manchester United board which will see us delegated management responsibility for the club's football operations.
'While the club's commercial success has ensured that funds are always available to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully realized in recent times.
Ratcliffe was able to rely on legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice and guidance
Erik ten Hag's role Ten Hag is expected to change and focus exclusively on coaching the team
Old Trafford is in need of extensive work with a proposed infrastructure investment of £245 million
'We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent of the wider INEOS Sport group to drive further improvements at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment in Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognize that there are still many challenges and hard work ahead, which we will tackle with rigor, professionalism and passion.
“We are committed to working with everyone at the club – the board, staff, players and fans – to take the club forward.
“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong: at the top of English, European and world football.”