Man Utd are back! Ratcliffe's first moves prove Red Devils are ELITE again

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 15 Feb 2024 10:18 GMT
3 min read

On the pitch, somewhat. It’s been a rich upturn in form from Erik ten Hag, who was heading towards the exit. But there is a certain feel about the moves that the club are making now. They are prising some of the best executives away from rival clubs. Their pull is unmatched.

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Omar Berrada recently joined from Manchester City as CEO and Dan Ashworth looks like he could be making the move from Newcastle. The club's ambitious recruitment of these key personnel suggests a determined effort to reestablish themselves as a footballing powerhouse, something that’s been missing for over a decade now.

Berrada played a pivotal role in City's recent success, overseeing various aspects of the club's operations during a period of domestic and international triumphs. He is elite in every sense.

His decision to jump ship and join the Red Devils from their rivals suggests that the project that Ineos have put on offer is something that is appealing to the biggest and best players in the game.

© IMAGO - Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to overhaul the backroom staff

Will Dan Ashworth join Man Utd?

Meanwhile, there is Ashworth, the Magpies' sporting director whose recruitment saw them head back to the Champions League after a twenty-year absence.

Ashworth is renowned for his expertise in player recruitment and development - he has expertise when it comes to young English talent, a vision that aligns with Ineos’ own.

The appointment of Berrada and Ashworth proves that Man Utd are facing a bright future. Ineos are making all the right moves at this point. Though results this season have far from been any good - you cannot deny the pull and prestige of Man Utd, arguably the biggest club in England, regardless of recent success.

Many will disregard the additions of the backroom staff as insignificant, but the bottom line is Man Utd have hampered two of their rivals in the league, while the impending transition of Liverpool could not have come at a sweeter time.