Tomorrow marks a year to the day since the Glazers announced they were ‘exploring strategic alternatives’ for Manchester United.
Despite endless calls from supporters for them to commit to a full sale, they are only going to part with 25 per cent of their shares, selling them to INEOS. The chemical giant, governed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is understood to be on the cusp of sealing a deal that will secure a minority stake in the club.
Though the Glazers are going to retain overall control, INEOS, according to widespread reports, are set to secure control of football operations at Old Trafford. Richard Arnold’s exit as chief executive last week provided the clearest indication yet that big changes are in the offing.
Vastly-experienced Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc has been linked with replacing Arnold as CEO, while recruitment guru Paul Mitchell has been touted to become the club’s sporting director. It is already clear that INEOS want to fill United’s hierarchy with football specialists.
Though INEOS are poised to acquire just a 25 per cent stake in the club, they are not coming to Old Trafford to be the Glazers’ puppet. They want to lay down an immediate marker, through both investment and decision making.
One of their biggest objectives, quite rightly, will be to improve United’s on-field performance, with a view to the club wrapping its hands around the Champions League trophy again. Though anything can happen in football, United are a long way from achieving that dream at this moment in time.
One of their biggest objectives, quite rightly, will be to improve United’s on-field performance, with a view to the club wrapping its hands around the Champions League trophy again. Though anything can happen in football, United are a long way from achieving that dream at this moment in time.
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