Sir Jim Ratcliffe could hand Erik ten Hag the ultimate present at the start of their working relationship at Manchester United once he purchases a 25 per cent stake in the club. The INEOS boss is nearing an agreement with the Glazer family over a £1.4billion deal, which is expected to transfer over the keys to United’s sporting operations.
Sir Jim has reportedly placed £245m aside to invest in United’s ageing infrastructure, including the first stage of redeveloping Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training base.
And he is said to have already started a review of the sporting department before likely appointing his own figures in important roles across the club hierarchy.
United’s transfer strategy is set to change with Sir Jim’s arrival, with the potential of a top-class sporting director arriving in M16 now higher than ever before.
It would dilute Ten Hag’s power over recruitment after the mixed success of his 16 signings since last summer, but there will be targets universally agreed on within United.
One is bound to be Jean-Clair Todibo, who permanently joined OGC Nice from Barcelona for just over £13m in 2021 and has been among Europe’s best centre-backs over the last two seasons.
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Sir Jim sanctioned his switch to Nice, and he could help orchestrate a move to United as early as January if Harry Maguire leaves Old Trafford.
United reportedly agreed a £30m deal with West Ham United in the summer before the transfer broke down over Maguire’s compensation demands.
But ESPN claim the Hammers have been encouraged about their chances of landing Maguire in January if they return to the frame, despite his recent renaissance under Ten Hag.
United were claimed to have lined up three centre-back targets in the summer, preparing for the former captain’s exit. Todibo was one of them.
Maguire’s stay ended interest, but with Ten Hag set to prioritise a new starting centre-back next year, Todibo will undoubtedly be of interest.
He has helped Nice to the Ligue 1 summit, boasting an unbeaten record after 11 games, having conceded just four goals.
90min report that the French side have informed Todibo that they are willing to cash in on him in the upcoming two transfer windows. Sir Jim could have a say in ensuring United win the race for his signature.
Whether United move for a centre-back in January will depend on Maguire’s future and Lisandro Martinez’s injury status. But Todibo joining the Red Devils before next season is very much in the realm of possibility.
