22 November 2023 , 18:57
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Part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's grand plan to bring success back to Manchester United will involve copying the structure of Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The notion of Ratcliffe following a model adopted by Todd Boehly is likely to unnerve fans at Old Trafford, given the US owner has spent more than £1billion since taking over in 2022. And his transfer policy has been widely perceived as chaotic, with the Blues already onto their fourth manager since his reign began.
Ironically, Ratcliffe himself was linked to a move for the London club before turning his interest to a takeover at United. After a prolonged saga, acquiring the club never materialised, with the INEOS chief now on the verge of securing a 25 per cent stake from the Glazers, who will remain the majority shareholders.
The deal will see Ratcliffe take charge of the day-to-day running and the club, and also oversee United's work in the transfer market. But according to talkSPORT, the 71-year-old is set to copy Chelsea's ploy of hiring multiple sporting directors.
With current director of football John Murtough facing the axe, both Paul Mitchell and Dougie Freedman have been linked with permanent roles in Ratcliffe's planned overhaul. Having previously worked with the likes of Tottenham and Monaco, Mitchell has previously overlooked by the club when Murtough was appointed.
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Freedman meanwhile, is working as a sporting director at Crystal Palace. His body of work at the London club has been widely praised, having secured moves the likes of centre-back Marc Guehi and winger Michael Olise, both considered pivotal players for the Eagles.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to follow one tactic used by Chelsea (AFP via Getty Images)Boehly has two sporting directors. Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, working under him at Stamford Bridge. The pair have notoriously skirted around Financial Fair Play regulations by offering extended contracts to players, arguing costs are being diluted over a number of seasons.
Confirmation of Ratcliffe's new status as a minority stakeholder at United is expected this week. However, with Thursday, November 23, signifying Thanksgiving in America, an announcement is now not expected before Friday.
Ratcliffe's influence has already been evident though, with CEO Richard Arnold leaving his position last week. Former PSG and Juventus chief Jean-Claude Blanc has been touted as a likely replacement.