Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may be working alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues in time for the January transfer window, according to reports. United officials are holding a meeting on Thursday to vote on Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion bid for 25 per cent of the club.
The board meeting will determine the future direction of the entire club, although any decision to bring Ratcliffe on board will not immediately see him take up his role at Old Trafford. According to The Times, the deal may not be completed for another eight weeks.
It’s pointed out that Ratcliffe will need to undergo the ‘Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test before he can officially join the board’. But the report adds that the British billionaire expects to be heavily involved immediately with an eye on the January transfer window.
It’s said the proposed agreement would see Sir Dave Brailsford take control of overseeing any changes in personnel behind the scenes. That’s led to some fears from both Richard Arnold and John Murtough that they may be moved on.
A new sporting director is touted as a possibility with Michael Edwards, Jean-Claude Blanc and Paul Mitchell named as potential candidates. That potentially gives Ten Hag some incentive to make any necessary changes to his squad in the January window.
However, there is some trepidation on whether Ratcliffe’s changes would be implemented in time for the midseason market. Jadon Sancho’s future at Old Trafford remains the biggest issue for Ten Hag to solve before the New Year.
