Manchester United stated yesterday that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to buy a 25% share in the club, with INEOS taking over administration of football operations.
The Premier League could need four to six weeks to completely ratify the transaction. Ratcliffe would ideally take over as manager of the Red Devils toward the end of the January transfer window.
Here are three things to look out for with the British billionaire’s takeover.
Erik ten Hag has issued an ultimatum
The Dutchman has had awful luck with important player injuries this season, but he could face more pressure if United does not stop their slide down the Premier League table.
Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Mason Mount all expected back next month. Ten Hag’s job is currently secure, but things could change if the results do not improve.
The first half of February, in our opinion, might be pivotal. United play Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United, and Aston Villa in 11 days, with two away games.
If United are unable to reduce the gap to the top four, Ten Hag may be fired. The difference is already eight points, and the team cannot afford to lose any more ground in the coming weeks.
Three possible objectives
If Ratcliffe’s contract is approved by the end of January, there may be a shopping frenzy, with the Britishman willing to donate funds through INEOS to improve the first-team squad.
A new center-back could be considered. Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo appears to be the top target, but a deal could fall through if Ratcliffe does not take over the sporting operations in time.
Otherwise, Ratcliffe is also the owner of the French outfit, which raises the possibility of impropriety. A loan with a buy option could be United’s preferred choice next month.
To boost the attacking department, the club might recruit Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee or Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, while the club could also seek a young center midfielder with potential.
Everton’s Amadou Onana appears to be the ideal candidate to succeed Casemiro, but the Toffees may be hesitant to sell him as they face another relegation struggle following a 10-point deduction.
Changes to the board
With his takeover, Ratcliffe is expected to name a new CEO. Richard Arnold recently departed the role, and he could be replaced by Jean-Claude Blanc, who has previously worked at INEOS.
Blanc has a solid track record from his tenure at Juventus and PSG. The 60-year-old could join the board as soon as the Premier League approves the agreement.
A new sporting director might take over. John Murtough’s contract with the club could expire in January. Dan Ashworth of Newcastle United is the favorite, while Paul Mitchell could be considered.