Though confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25 per cent of Manchester United is still awaiting official confirmation, he is thought highly of by key sections of the Red Devils hierarchy.
Britain’s richest man is nearing a £1.3billion deal to secure a quarter of United and though it is only a minority stake, Ratcliffe is expected to have full control of football operations. He is also believed to be preparing to make some key changes at boardroom level, with football director John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and director of football operations David Harrison all nearing the Old Trafford exit.
Despite the minor cull, Ratcliffe has received the backing of a United titan in Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary former manager had nothing but positive things to say when pressed for comment on his views surrounding the situation.
“I am still a director of the club and I know Jim well,” the 81-year-old told Gambling Zone. “We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic.”
There were fears that news of Ratcliffe’s imminent purchase would disrupt the flow of United on the pitch amid a dire start to the new Premier League season. Erik ten Hag’s men currently sit sixth in the table, having lost five of their opening 12 games.
However, the United boss was keen to stress that the relentless cycle of rumours and headlines regarding Ratcliffe was not serving as a distraction to his players while speaking to the media last month. In fact, he even went as far as to hint that the news could bring out a “better”
“They (the players) are committed to the club – but especially they are committed to this team,” Ten Hag explained. ” They want to be successful and are therefore aware you need the team, your team-mates and cooperation.
“When the cooperation is growing, you will play better. That is how the players are thinking – and they are not thinking about strategic reviews or structures or whatever.”
Though an announcement sealing Ratcliffe’s minority stake is expected in the coming days, for now, full focus from within the United dressing room needs to be on Sunday’s trip to an Everton side desperate to bounce back immediately from their 10-point deduction.
Such is the gap currently between United and those above them, not even a win at Goodison Park can lift them out of sixth place this week. However, with fourth and fifth meeting each other in Spurs and Aston Villa, Ten Hag’s side have a chance to make significant ground on those above them.