NEWS DIGEST– In an upcoming deal expected to be finalized by the end of 2023, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to purchase 25% of Manchester United for approximately £1.4bn. This acquisition will grant him significant control over the club’s sporting decisions, consequently reducing the transfer power of manager Erik Ten Hag.
Ratcliffe, the owner and founder of INEOS, aims to bring a change in the way player signings are conducted at the club. He intends to entrust this responsibility to a team of experts, which implies that Ten Hag will shift his primary focus toward coaching. This development comes amidst criticisms regarding Manchester United’s style of play in recent times.
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Despite the team’s recent underwhelming performances, Ten Hag remains optimistic and believes that a positive turnaround is imminent. However, the Red Devils’ victories against Brentford, Sheffield United, and Copenhagen were soon overshadowed by a resounding 3-0 defeat at the hands of cross-town rivals Manchester City in the recent Manchester derby.
Manchester United finds themselves in a difficult position this season, with five losses already in the Premier League. Their current standing in the table is eighth, trailing fourth-placed Liverpool by eight points. Furthermore, the club has only managed to triumph in one of their three group-stage matches in the Champions League, leaving them with a challenging task to qualify for the round of 16.
In summary, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending purchase of a significant stake in Manchester United will likely result in a reshuffling of power within the club. This change will see Erik ten Hag’s transfer authority diminished, enabling him to focus more on coaching, while Ratcliffe and his team of experts take charge of player signings.
