Evaluating coach Erik ten Hag and reforming the squad are important things billionaire Jim Ratcliffe needs to do after taking power at Man Utd.
For the first time in 18 years, the Glazer family no longer has the biggest say in football-related matters at Man Utd. After buying 25% of the team for about $1.3 billion, Ratcliffe took control of everything from the first team to the youth teams and academy. However, as the 71-year-old billionaire said, the work ahead for the "Red Devils" is full of difficulties and challenges.
Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe outside Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England on March 17, 2023. Photo: Reuters
The most obvious issue for Britain's richest man is the future of Ten Hag . Before Ratcliffe reached an agreement with Glazer, the old board were reluctant to make any major decisions with the Dutchman. But Ten Hag's future is no longer assured after the arrival of the INEOS boss at Old Trafford.
During his three years as owner of Nice in France, Ratcliffe appointed five coaches, including Patrick Vieira, Christophe Galtier and Lucien Favre. Most of them were fired by the club due to poor results, which was not good news for Ten Hag.
Man Utd have lost half of their 26 games in all competitions this season, finished bottom of the Champions League, were eliminated from European competition, were eliminated from the League Cup, and have only scored more goals than the bottom team in the Premier League. If results do not improve in the next few games, the 53-year-old could be forced to leave, despite his contract running until the summer of 2025.
Coach Erik ten Hag after Man Utd lost 0-1 to Bayern at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, round 6 of Group A Champions League on the evening of December 12, 2023. Photo: Reuters
However, Ratcliffe is unlikely to do anything until a new sporting director is appointed . INEOS sporting director Dave Brailsford and former PSG general manager Jean-Claude Blanc will join Man Utd, on the club's sporting operations board. They still need a dedicated sporting director, replacing the current John Murtough.
Dan Ashworth is the frontrunner to take over as Manchester United's sporting director, although Paul Mitchell has been linked with the job. The problem is that Ashworth is already doing a similar job at Newcastle, and Ratcliffe may have to pay a release clause for him. The sporting director will oversee things like player transfers and manager selection. Of course, the sporting director's big decisions need to be approved by the board, and Ratcliffe has the final say.
Even with the appointment of a new sporting director, Man Utd will find it difficult to actively participate in the January 2024 transfer window . The team is having problems with financial fair play regulations, after spending more than $500 million on players during Ten Hag's time. On the other hand, the team has not been able to sell any high-priced players to make up for the losses.
Man Utd are almost certain to let midfielder Donny van de Beek leave for Eintracht Frankfurt until the end of the season. There are no signs of any squad changes in the coming month, but fans are still hoping for the first quality signing of the Ratcliffe era.
Sancho in the match between Man Utd and Newcastle at Old Trafford, Manchester, in the Premier League on October 16, 2022. Photo: Reuters
Ratcliffe may have to wait until the summer of 2024 to make a change . The big question is whether they will release Jadon Sancho. The 23-year-old midfielder is under contract until June 2026, but he has been sidelined from the first team due to a fallout with Ten Hag. But if Ten Hag is sacked, Sancho will have the chance to prove himself again under a new manager.
Several of the team’s highest-paid players could also be on the move. Striker Anthony Martial is unlikely to have his contract extended, and he could leave for free in the summer of 2024. Defender Raphael Varane would also have to take a pay cut of $430,000 a week if he wants to stay, but his contract runs until the summer of 2025. Casemiro is also on one of the highest wages in the Premier League, and could be asked to take a pay cut.
Murtough recently travelled to Saudi Arabia, which could be a sign that Sancho, Varane or Casemiro could be heading to the Pro League. However, Ratcliffe is unlikely to see all three players off the market in the short term, as not all clubs can afford their wages.
Hoang An (according to Sportsmail )
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