Man Utd takeover breakthrough! Ratcliffe deal to be completed on Monday

Robin Bairner

Updated: 10 Nov 2023 10:56 GMT
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Manchester United’s long-running takeover saga will be completed on Monday, when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group complete a deal that will see the billionaire take control of 25% of the club.

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According to The Sun, Ratcliffe is preparing to make sweeping changes in the hierarchy of the Old Trafford club amid a season of disappointing on-field performance.

Man Utd sit eighth in the Premier League table while their prospects of progression in the Champions League are hanging in the balance after a stunning 4-3 defeat away to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Ratcliffe, who is set to buy a quarter of the club for £1.3 billion, is ready to transform the club’s player scouting network amid concerns that Man Utd have been deficient for years in the transfer market.

Several leading figures at Old Trafford are poised to lose their jobs, with The Sun reporting that CEO Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison, who was only appointed to the role in February, could all be sacked by Ratcliffe, who is set to be given command of the club’s sporting structure.

Man Utd’s lamentable transfer record

While Man Utd have often promised to improve their player acquisition in recent years, they have been unable to show any smarts in the transfer market.

During the summer of 2022, the Red Devils spent €95 million to sign Antony from Ajax, with the Brazilian now finding himself in the spotlight due to poor performances levels and a dreadful return of goals and assists in his 18 months at the club.

Similarly, Casemiro’s form has dipped dramatically after a strong start, while Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia are both long-term injury concerns.

While it would be harsh to pass similar judgement on 2023’s major signings, it is fair to say that neither Andre Onana or Mason Mount has sparkled, while Rasmus Hojlund is still waiting for his first Premier League goal, albeit the young striker has performed well in the Champions League.

Ratcliffe will hope for an instant improvement in recruitment when he finally takes command.