Sir Alex Ferguson has broken his silence on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent investment in Manchester United. The legendary manager of the English club is optimistic about the arrival of the INEOS billionaire.
Jim Ratcliffe is close to buying a 25% stake in Manchester United for around $1.6 billion. As part of the investment, Ratcliffe will also take over the operations of the club. There has been mixed opinion from fans and experts about the move, but Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful about this monumental shift in his former club.
🗣 Sir Alex Ferguson on INEOS deal: “I am still a director of the club and I know Jim well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic.” [@TheGamblingZone] #mufc pic.twitter.com/lh2kSlLQPM
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 22, 2023
Ferguson commented on the move to Gambling Zone: “I am still a director of the club. I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does. But I am optimistic.” These optimistic comments from Ferguson might calm the nerves of Manchester United fans who have been sweating about the potential outgoings of the club.
Jim Ratcliffe’s investment cannot come at a better time for Manchester United, as the English club is in dire need of a change. The Glazers family has been under immense pressure since the summer, while the English club has been off to their worst start to a season in 61 years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe on his way to make more changes at Manchester United
There has already been some substantial move in the backroom staff of Manchester United as Richard Arnold stepped down from his CEO position to make way for Patrick Stewart on an interim basis. There was some chatter that Arnold’s departure was in preparation for Ratcliffe’s arrival and some more movement is expected.
As per Mirror, Ratcliffe has sights on two more exits before his official arrival at the English club. Football Director, John Murtough, and Director of Football Operations, David Harrison are expected to be sacked in the coming weeks.
No Sir Jim Ratcliffe announcement tomorrow apparently. I don’t believe we’ll be waiting till the New Year though. Far from it.
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 21, 2023
Ratcliffe has been critical of the transfer spending at Manchester United. As a response, he wants to make drastic changes in the spine of the backroom staff to improve the internal operations in one of the most decorated English clubs.
On a closer look, Ratcliffe’s analysis holds weight. Manchester United has spent more than $1.3 billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement without winning a single Premier League title. The issue stems from poor transfer business and below-average scouting.
Erik ten Hag’s second season at Manchester United has been marked with problems on and off the field. Ratcliffe’s potential arrival will naturally shake up the landscape but Manchester United need to rebuild from the foundation in order to be competitive again.
Looking forward, Manchester United will return from the international break with an away fixture to Everton on November 26 in the Premier League. The English club is currently 6th in the table with 21 points. Erik ten Hag’s team needs nothing less than a victory to close the gap with the top four of the Premier League.