After a long and protracted takeover saga, Manchester United could finally see a new owner. After long months of confusion, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be the new co-owner of the club. This is after his only competitor, Sheikh Jassim’s bid, was rejected.
The INEOS founder and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe will only buy 25 percent of the club, and it is yet to be ratified by the United Board members. He will, however, take over the power of sporting decisions, which means the club’s transfer strategy, management, and on-the-field decisions will be taken by him and his team. And we could see some heavy changes in the club if his takeover is completed.
John Murtough, Richard Arnold in peril with Manchester United takeover appoaching
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the possible new owner, it is expected that he will make some changes, including in the top order of the club’s management. He has already reportedly made a shortlist of potential new directors that he will want to join the club.
The Athletic reports that Ratcliffe has already decided to restructure the club according to his whims and with people he favors. This could see some existing directors having to leave the club. Most of the new directors will be from INEOS, which already handles other sporting projects for Ratcliffe.
Apparently, the current senior officials thought that if Sheikh Jassim had won, they had a better chance of staying. One of the directors whose job is in danger is John Murtough, the director of football. He could be replaced by renowned sporting director Paul Mitchell.
đź”´đź“° | #mufc's senior management thought they were far more likely to keep their jobs following a Sheik Jassim takeover than after an INEOS one. Most felt Sir Jim Ratcliffe would quickly install a number of allies in key roles and that they would be gone. [@MikeKeegan_DM] pic.twitter.com/sPKbOamgKw
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) October 16, 2023
Another man close to being sacked is Chief Executive of the club Richard Arnold. He had replaced the unpopular Ed Woodward and could also now leave. Jean-Claude Blanc, a former CEO of PSG is currently at INEOS and could most certainly join United.
Erik Ten Hag reportedly to continue following takeover
Being a boyhood fan of the club, Sir Jim is excited to take Manchester United back to the top of football. And to do this, he has promised significant investments in transfers.
Despite a poor start to the season, Erik Ten Hag is expected to keep his job under the new regime. He has already reportedly received assurances from the British billionaire that he will be at the club and receive a huge transfer war chest.
Erik Ten Hag has failed to play his best version of football this season, with a lot of key injuries hampering his team selection. Ratcliffe’s arrival in that case could be a new breath of fresh air for the club.
The Manchester United United board will soon meet and vote on Thursday to ratify the deal, and we could see a new era unfold at Old Trafford. Are you excited about the takeover? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
