Man Utd co-owner Ratcliffe appoints new manager at Nice

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Jun 2024 00:59 CDT
3 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

INEOS have a 'total agreement' with RC Lens manager Franck Haise, according to French media.

Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS allies are facing a summer of significant coaching headaches. A final decision on the future of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford is expected shortly, while Francesco Farioli recently quit Nice to take over at Ajax.

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Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, meanwhile, headed to Roma after becoming disillusioned with the INEOS project at Nice, leaving the club essentially a rudderless ship right now.

However, it seems that a new manager is already on his way to southern France. According to L'Equipe, Nice have reached a 'total agreement' with RC Lens boss Franck Haise.

Haise to Nice

The French outlet reports that Nice and Lens have agreed on a compensation worth a little over €2 million for the mastermind, who rebuilt the latter and even led them into the Champions League after finishing as Ligue 1 runners-up in 2023.

The 53-year-old tactician is set to sign a two-year deal at the Allianz Riviera and is expected to be supported in his work by Stade Rennais' Florian Maurice, who is in talks over becoming Nice's new sporting director.

The INEOS-backed side will hope that the quick appointment of a new sporting hierarchy will prevent a major summer exodus of the playing squad. Captain Dante has already committed his future to the club for another year - despite being 40 years old - but it is unclear whether centre-back partner Jean-Clair Todibo is willing to do the same.

In fact, it seems highly unlikely. The Man Utd target has been flirting with a move away for some time and could be joined on the exit ramp by midfielder Khephren Thuram, who is keen to revive his career after a disappointing season under Farioli, whose defensive style curtailed the Frenchman's creativity.