Manchester United are gearing up for their first full season under INEOS’ co-ownership, and if their dealings in the summer window are anything to go by, fans can have high hopes.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake at Old Trafford was – after a tedious and lengthy wait – ratified by the Premier League back in February, after which he became the first person to share ownership with the Glazers since their tumultuous reign began in 2005.
In the last five months, the Englishman has been orchestrating wholesale changes to the club’s hierarchy, with supporters delighted to see football-minded, experienced figures replace incompetent, money-led employees.
At board level, Ratcliffe has welcomed his trusted lieutenants, Sir Dave Brailsford (Director of Sport) and Jean-Claude Blanc (Chief Executive).
Omar Berrada was poached from rivals Manchester City to become the new CEO, while Newcastle United were forced to comply with Dan Ashworth’s wishes in allowing him to depart to Manchester to fill the role of Sporting Director. Jason Wilcox joined from Southampton as Technical Director, and Christopher Vivell is the club’s Recruitment Director on a short-term contract.
As such, the co-owner hasn’t acquired such delegates to allow Erik ten Hag to have full authority over the ins and outs of transfer activity at United. The manager has been made to take a backseat following his contract extension earlier this summer, in turn having less of a say in the major decision-making.
What Ten Hag has disclosed about his reduced authority
He admitted to having a reduced role upon INEOS’ arrival following the side’s pre-season fixture on Sunday, saying (per Fabrizio Romano): “A lot has been taken away from me in scouting and recruitment. That is necessary.
“You need a very strong structure in scouting/transfer policy. The club has acquired incredible know-how and knowledge of the market that helps me. Very good signs.”
