Ratcliffe is poised to take on a significant role in managing the club, starting by overseeing an area that many believe has underperformed for several years: transfers.
Consequently, every incoming and outgoing signing at Old Trafford will now require approval from the INEOS tycoon.
While unofficial reports suggested Ratcliffe began working with United on November 13, the official documentation formalizing his 25% purchase is still pending. Initially expected this week, the confirmation of his investment was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 21. However, the Daily Telegraph suggests that due to Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States, Ratcliffe’s investment is now likely to be delayed until Tuesday, November 28, well ahead of the January transfer window.
Ratcliffe has swiftly initiated changes behind the scenes, starting with the exit of long-serving chief executive Richard Arnold, who held the position for 22 months.
Further alterations are expected, with reports suggesting that United’s football director John Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison are also on the verge of losing their positions.
Murtough, who has overseen five transfer windows and significant expenditures exceeding £750m, faces scrutiny for some of those acquisitions. Ratcliffe has openly criticized the decision to greenlight the £70m signing of Casemiro, echoing sentiments from Casemiro’s time at Real Madrid where doubts surfaced regarding the player’s performance.
Initial suggestions hinted at Murtough’s dismissal and replacement by Paul Mitchell, currently at AS Monaco and previously associated with Tottenham and RB Leipzig, for a new sporting director role. However, the Telegraph reports a different scenario, suggesting that instead of termination, Murtough might transition to a new role under Ratcliffe’s regime. Discussions are ongoing between Murtough and Ratcliffe, with prospects of a potential collaboration or contribution during the club’s transitional phase.
With the January transfer window nearing, Murtough’s involvement in planning for potential sales, including Casemiro and Raphael Varane, who are rumored to want out, remains crucial. He might play a role in negotiating their departures and aiding in the recruitment of their replacements.