Sir Jim Ratcliffe is moving closer to his partial takeover at Manchester United, which would see him take control of the club’s football operations.
Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s minority stake buy-in at Manchester United is close to being agreed, report BBC Sport.
A deal could go through as early as next week, and Ratcliffe is already said to be planning to take action, to try and get a once great club back on it’s feet amid a terrible start to the season.
This begins with the ‘open heart surgery’ demanded by Ralf Rangnick, with an investigation expected into how the club have blown millions in the transfer market, only to be nowhere near a title challenge.
Six at risk
A clearout could be coming for Manchester United with some high-profile players and staff at risk.
The Sun report three staff members face the axe, chief executive Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough, and ‘director of football operations’ David Harrison.
It is claimed three players could be dumped in January, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Anthony Martial.
Analysing the potential exits
It is unsurprising Arnold and Murtough face the axe. Their time has been numbered ever since the farcical scenes where they rocked up in Barcelona in 2022 to try and secure a deal for Erik ten Hag‘s top transfer target Frenkie de Jong, and failed.
Both have been at Manchester United for too long. Arnold was the head of commercial under Ed Woodward, and was an easy appointment as his replacement by the Glazers, who did not pursue a ‘best in class’ external search for a new CEO. Murtough arrived at Everton along with David Moyes and has now spent a decade at the club.
David Harrison was only appointed in February 2023, and his exit along with Arnold and Murtough is simply a case of Ineos looking to create room for their own staff.
Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc and cycling chief David Brailsford could have a key role under Ratcliffe.
The trio of player exits are easier said than done, unlike the staff who can simply be sacked and paid off.
Jadon Sancho is more than halfway out the door already, and Anthony Martial’s contract expires in the summer. So those exits are do-able, but it is very unclear whether Manchester United will be able to sell them.
Anthony Martial earns £250,000 per week and Sancho in excess of £300,000 per week. Finding clubs willing to take them on won’t be simple, and loans may need to be arranged.
Antony is a slightly different case. Manchester United may be able to sell him, and like with Jadon Sancho, would have to take a major hit on the transfer fee paid for him. This more than any other exit would represent a totally ruthless side to Ratcliffe’s approach, considering the Brazilian was only signed in 2022.
It would send a message that the £80 million splurged on his signature was a totally irresponsible move, and must not be repeated.
The Mirror report his salary is £200,000 per week, meaning if United were to ditch these three players, it would save an estimated £750,000 per week.
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