24 December 2023 , 16:04
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It has taken more than a year but the “strategic alternatives” explored by the Glazer family since November 2022 has finally translated to Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchasing 25 per cent of Manchester United for approximately £1.3bn.
And the Ineos chief is set to make his mark by taking control of the club’s football operations - once the Premier League approve the deal and Britain's second richest man passes their owners and directors' test.
Chief executive Richard Arnold has already confirmed he is leaving United, set to be replaced by a man of Ineos’ choosing, while director of football John Murtough could also be heading out the door.
Ineos are certain to be proactive but their in-tray is a heavy one and here are the biggest priorities for Ratcliffe’s team to sort once they get the Premier League's green light.
Transparency over Glazer say
The most contentious element of Ineos’ partial takeover is the reality that Avram and Joel Glazer will maintain a majority stakeholder for now when fans had been begging for their departure.
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For obvious reasons that will infuriate many supporters, the arrangement brings some uncertainty. It is deeply unusual for a minority shareholder to be calling the big shots and Ineos (because history indicates the Glazers will not) could do far worse than providing a clear explanation of how responsibilities will be split.
As Rio Ferdinand told Mirror Football recently: “Most fans were sitting there thinking, ‘Right we’re going to get new owners.’ Everyone thought [the Glazers] would either go or they’ll still be here. Most fans wanted a new ownership.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to buy a stake in Manchester United is finally completed. Now the hard work of returning the club to past glories begins. (PA)“Communication is vital. If Mr Ratcliffe is coming in and wants to hit the ground running, show some signs of influence, one of the key areas he needs to zone into is communication with the fanbase.”
All indications are that Ineos will run football operations but with a smaller shareholding can they still be vetoed? Transparency is a must from the outset.
Fix chaotic recruitment
In the summer Erik ten Hag said he believed United has become a more desirable destination for players compared to when he took over as head coach last summer.
"There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what's going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially,” he said. “They are really keen to come, I've noticed that.”
Mason Mount is yet to find form since signing for Manchester United.Yet following through on his priorities was a tricky task considering questions around a fluctuating budget. Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat and may all have arrived but none of those are exceptional talents capable of turning United into a genuine title contender.
If a key part of the Ratcliffe deal is for Ineos, and a collection of decision-makers including former British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford, to assume control of the club's footballing operation then a new system must be put in place for the January transfer window and beyond to limit the number of dud arrivals and clear out some of the fringe players Ten Hag does not rate.
Restructuring
The extent of executive overhaul looks likely to be seismic with Arnold exiting and Murtough set to follow. But there are other questions awaiting an imminent answer: Who will sit on the board? Are there veto powers? Will the structure around player recruitment change dramatically?
The complete change in off-field personnel at shows that too much alteration at one time can have detrimental effects on the pitch. It is something to be wary of as United enters a new era, full of promise and excitement for fans but with probable odds that not everything shall go to plan.
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Fan commitment
The most important element and something that is not going to happen overnight. United’s fanbase has become so disenfranchised with the way their club has been run by the Glazers, it is going to take a lot of time to convince the hardcore of a better future.
That the Glazers are hanging around does not help in the slightest - but engaging in meaningful dialogue with supporter groups and promises of direct involvement via means such as a beefed-up fan advisory board would be important first steps.