Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of Manchester United looks set to be ratified this week. But it could take a little longer for the billionaire to formally start work.
Manchester United are set to have a new man spearheading the sporting side of the club with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to acquire 25 per cent of the club.
The much-maligned Glazer family is set to remain in majority control at Old Trafford but Ratcliffe, with Ineos, is set to take charge of the footballing decisions at the club as soon as he starts.
However, according to The Times, Ratcliffe will have to wait around 8 weeks before he will officially be able to start at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s wait
As mentioned, the wait may well be two months but the hope from Ineos is, according to the report, that they will be able to influence the January transfer market for United.
However, The Guardian claims that Ratcliffe, and any other investor who became involved in the club, would not be able to make purchases due to the Financial Fair Play situation at the club.
Before being approved to be on the United board, Ratcliffe will need to pass the infamous Premier League Owners & Directors test.
Transfer window is less important for Ratcliffe
When the 70-year-old is sworn in at Old Trafford, his immediate priority should be to fix the issues behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Richard Arnold’s and John Murtough’s jobs seem firmly in the balance but removing these people seems the only logical step forward for Ratcliffe.
With Sir Dave Brailsford set to be brought into the club and Paul Mitchell also seemingly a target for the 70-year-old, United’s hierarchy could have a very different look about it come January.
The transfer signings should be an afterthought, nailing the recruitment strategy, the structure of the club and indeed the stadium itself is much more important for the Red Devils to get back to the summit of English football.
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