Sir Jim Ratcliffe is closing in on a deal that will see him acquire 25% of the club after lengthy negotiations with the Glazer family, with almost a year passing since the American owners made their interest in selling a minority or full stake public.
Ratcliffe has been ever-present in talks both ways and after having bids to purchase the club outright rejected by the Glazers, it was finally agreed that he would secure a fourth of the club.
It is still uncertain whether Ratcliffe will acquire the club before the turn of the year but supporters are hopeful that the deal will have crossed the line by then and if reports are accurate, he will have a controlling vote in the football department.
Erik ten Hag’s future has been the subject of some speculation in recent weeks, with the team’s patchy form sparking debates surrounding the Dutchman.
Ratcliffe is, however, said to have made his mind up on Ten Hag’s future if the English billionaire joins the club. According to The Mirror, Ratcliffe has no plans to sack Ten Hag.
As per the report, Ratcliffe has not made signing a new manager a priority and has instead raised concerns over other areas, which include the high fees paid to improve the squad and the lacking facilities at Old Trafford and the training ground.
In truth, it would be ludicrous to get rid of Ten Hag at this point as he is still just 14 months into his stay at the club and he has exceeded expectations.
He ended United’s six-year wait for silverware and his first season was a success. The second year has not been nearly as promising but as the saying goes – Rome wasn’t built in a day.