Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent Manchester United arrival has sparked optimism of a new era at Old Trafford and a significant step towards ending the unpopular 18-year Glazer family regime. However, the tides of change may be out for a while yet, based on fresh reports from the club.
Sir Jim’s £1.4billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in United could be announced as early as this week.
The INEOS founder’s arrival will prompt the most significant hierarchy switch-up since the Glazers’ 2005 buyout.
He is expected to inherit total sporting control from the Glazers, receiving the freedom to instil the INEOS blueprint in United’s football department.
United chief executive Richard Arnold is already confirmed to be leaving, while a new director of football to replace John Murtough is also reportedly on Sir Jim’s radar.
The American owners’ primary focus is set to be on the commercial side of the club, which many supporters hope will result in sporting improvement off the pitch and, subsequently, on it.
But the Telegraph claim that Sir Jim’s power may not eclipse that of the Glazers, potentially adding to the unstable environment at United.
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Joel Glazer remains the decision-maker at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
According to the report, Arnold’s departure is viewed as the first of numerous senior changes Sir Jim will enforce within the walls of Old Trafford.
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However, it’s been stressed that Joel Glazer remains the majority shareholder despite the 71-year-old buying around 17 per cent of the current owners’ shares.
And with that, he will be the ultimate decision maker, which has undoubtedly contributed to United’s steep decline across the past decade.
The prolonged takeover process – now at 12 months – is no surprise, given the Glazers have grown a reputation for indecisiveness on different fronts, including recruitment.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hope to gain sporting control. (Image: Getty)
It was hoped that Sir Jim would arrive at United, appoint his trusted INEOS figures and create a streamlined environment built for sporting success.
But as long as the Glazers have an overriding say in all matters, there will understandably be little hope of the improvement required to restore United to former glories.
At the same time, the incoming investor will expect a certain level of control due to the over-inflated price he has paid to get his foot in the door.
The reported creation of a new football committee featuring Sir Jim, Sir Dave Brailsford and Joel Glazer could be a way of turning voting on sporting matters in INEOS’ favour.
