Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Takeover Could Mark Start Of A New Era For Man Utd

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: A billboard near Old Trafford shows a picture of Sir Jim … [+] Ratcliffe above the words ‘Welcome To Manchester’ prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 09, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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Nobody was surprised when confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.25 billion deal to acquire 25% of Manchester United came. It had, after all, been rumoured for a number of months that the British billionaire would purchase a sizeable stake in the Old Trafford club. Nonetheless, the news was surely a relief to many fans.

A relief because while the much-maligned Glazer family still have a majority shareholding in Manchester United, sporting control has been handed over to Ratcliffe and INEOS. It’s an unusual deal, but one that could reshape the club after a decade of spectacular under-achievement. This could be a landmark moment for United.

Ratcliffe has a lot to address as Manchester United’s new figurehead. He must remould the club’s front office with INEOS right-hand man and former British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford expected to play a pivotal role in plotting the way forward. A new CEO will also be hired if reports are to be believed.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during the Premier League … [+] match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on December 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

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The sporting remodelling could lead to the appointment of a new sporting director. Former Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur transfers expert Paul Mitchell has been linked with the role. Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth is also believed to be of interest to Ratcliffe who wants United under his control to give a platform to the best British talent.

Everything at Old Trafford on the sporting side will be re-assessed now there has been a passing of the baton between the Glazers and Ratcliffe. Erik ten Hag’s position could be examined with the Dutch manager currently struggling to achieve consistent results on the pitch. He now has a new boss to impress.

Under the Glazers, Manchester United was hollowed out as an organisation. That they have so willingly handed over sporting control to Ratcliffe without giving up their position as majority shareholders highlights just how little they cared about what happened on the pitch. This manifested itself in a decade of gross underachievement.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: A fan of Manchester United holds a flag reading “#GlazersOut” … [+] outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on August 14, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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Once a new front office has been put in place, Manchester United can start devising a strategy that encompasses recruitment, coaching, scouting and the general identity of the club as a whole. With the Glazers at the helm, United drifted without any direction to speak of for too long. Ratcliffe’s arrival might change this.

In a sense, Ratcliffe and his INEOS counterparts will be handcuffed as long as the Glazers remain such a large presence at Old Trafford. Nobody should expect Manchester United to become a dominant force any time soon, but there is genuine hope that the worst of a challenging era is finally behind the club.

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