The CEO and football director could be forced out if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over part of Manchester United but the head coach Erik Ten Hag will stay. The INEOS company owner is reported to have negotiated a 25 percent minority stake that will see him take charge of Manchester United's football operations. His purchase of the club is expected to be ratified this week. The INEOS chief will then take immediate control of matters related to on-field performance. Manchester United's commercial and sporting operations will going forward be separated into two distinct arms. Ratcliffe's overhaul of performance operations will be prioritized over an upgrade of Old Trafford.

Also Read: Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 as Spain beat Norway

The development of Sir Jim Ratcliffe being looped into the Manchester United hierarchy is not expected to affect manager Erik Ten Hag but it is reported that those above him will be nervously awaiting developments. CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could be forced out of their roles. INEOS company has already been studying Manchester United's transfer policy and has termed it to be wasteful which means that there is a high possibility they will revamp the manner in which players are picked and signed. Purchasing 25% of Manchester United will cost SirJim Ratcliffe £1.3bn. 

Reports further alleged that Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani withdrew from the bidding process. Sheikh had made an offer of about £5bn in an effort to take full control of the Red Devils. Sheikh Jassim is understood to have raised his offer for Man Utd in June but it was not satisfactory for the Glazers according to reports. The Glazers have owned United since 2005. Sir Jim Ratcliffe initially wanted to buy all of the Glazers' 67 per cent shareholding but the offer was allegedly declined. Sheikh Jasim might be enticed back to the bidding process of purchasing United, however, as protests against the Glazers continue. Manchester United supporters want the Glazers to surrender full ownership of the club to another party. The anger against the owners has recently grown to new heights as United have seemingly been struggling this season by losing four of their opening eight Premier League games to sit 10th in the table. They have also lost two of the UEFA Champions League fixtures that they have played so far in the group stages. 

Manchester United are in need of investment to upgrade Old Trafford and win the Premier League for the first time since a record 20th league title in 2013. The Red Devils did win their first trophy in six years by beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final back in February. The Ratcliffe deal that has been reached by the hierarchy of the club will still leave the Glazers in overall control of the club. It is yet to be seen how the United fans will react to the new developments. 

ALSO READ:
UK and Ireland confirmed as Euro 2028 hosts
Faith Kipyegon nominated for 2023 World Female Athlete of the year award
The Netherlands takes on France in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, who will have the last laugh?
Football Unites! The 2030 World Cup is to be hosted on three continents and six nations

(Image: Skysports)