According to a report from Manchester Evening News, in a surprising turn of events in the ongoing takeover saga, Sir Jim Ratcliffe might soon acquire a share of Manchester United. It’s been reported that Sheikh Jassim made a final effort to persuade the Glazers to sell the club last week. However, he was informed that his offer, estimated at around £5 billion, fell short of their desired price. Consequently, he withdrew from the process. Now, a revised bid by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for a 25% stake in the club could potentially receive approval at an upcoming board meeting, possibly as early as this week.
How Does The Takeover Affect The Transfer Plans?
According to another report from Mirror, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted on the possibility of reshaping Manchester United’s approach to transfers by placing a stronger emphasis on recruiting young talents. This comes after he criticized United’s recruitment strategy back in 2019.
The Ineos chief previously voiced his criticism regarding Manchester United’s transfer strategy and decision-making. He expressed his opinion by stating, “They haven’t made the right choices in selecting managers, and their player acquisitions have been questionable.” “Since [Sir Alex] Ferguson’s departure, United has invested significantly but has underperformed, to put it mildly. To be frank, their performance has been shockingly poor.”
Will Manchester United Boss Erik Ten Hag’s Plans For The January Transfer Window Align With The Ineos Chief?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously contrasted United’s approach with the one employed at OGC Nice, which he owns, where they strive to be more judicious and grassroots-oriented, focusing on identifying young talents. He pointed out that some clubs, like Southampton and Lille, excel in this area, while the Red Devils have struggled in this regard, indicating that they’ve lost their way in player recruitment.
Presently, Erik Ten Hag is placing his emphasis on bolstering the team, aiming to rectify the scoring problems in the attacking third and the shortage of defensive depth. This doesn’t seem to be in sync with the Ineos chief’s suggestions, but it undeniably addresses critical concerns at Old Trafford. To stay competitive in the title race, resolving the issues stemming from injuries in the backline and bolstering the offensive threat upfront is imperative.
Should Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s offer be approved, the Glazers will continue to retain control of the club for the time being until he eventually assumes complete ownership. It is probable that Ten Hag’s strategies would be considered, as he enjoys the unwavering support of the Glazers. However, it’s worth noting that the United fans are firmly opposed to this idea.
