Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire businessman, made his first visit to Old Trafford since his £1.03 billion investment in Manchester United. Arriving at the Theatre of Dreams, Sir Jim was all smiles as he walked into the main entrance, accompanied by a security guard holding an umbrella to shield him from the Manchester rain. This marked the beginning of his reign as part-owner of the club.
Discussing Plans for United’s Future
During his visit, Sir Jim met with key United staff including interim CEO Patrick Stewart and Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche. The group, which notably did not include any members of the Glazer family, had a working lunch and spent time discussing initial ideas to improve the club’s performance on the pitch. However, until the deal is officially ratified next month, Sir Jim and his Ineos team cannot have an active role in running United.
The Path to Ownership
To take control of the club, Sir Jim must first pass the Premier League’s fit and proper person test and obtain approval from the New York Stock Exchange for his acquisition of Class-A shares. While waiting for the deal to be finalized, meetings will continue at United’s Carrington training base, where Sir Jim may have the opportunity to meet with under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
Potential Changes in Management
Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s right-hand man and sporting director at Ineos, has already met with Ten Hag at Carrington. It is rumored that Brailsford may appoint a new football director, and Ineos chief exec Jean-Claude Blanc is expected to take over as United CEO. Despite potential changes in the management structure, Patrick Stewart and John Murtough are still expected to retain roles in the new set-up.
The Future of Erik ten Hag
The future of manager Erik ten Hag remains uncertain, with rumors circulating that Ratcliffe has lined up former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as a potential replacement. Currently, United sits seventh in the league, with only one win in their last five matches. However, Ten Hag has expressed optimism about working with the new ownership, stating that he and the club will have conversations and meetings to determine the way forward.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s visit to Old Trafford marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Manchester United. As fans eagerly await the official approval of the deal, the club is poised for potential changes in management and a fresh outlook on the pitch. Exciting times lie ahead for the Red Devils.
Source link: F5mag.com