Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, but there is still uncertainty surrounding the British billionaire.
We have yet to see the vision Ratcliffe has for United. What we do know is that the INEOS founder has a track record in top-level sports, although his forays into football have been relatively small-scale so far.
Regrettably for Ratcliffe, his tenure at United begins with a degree of skepticism from the fanbase, as he altered his offer, leaving the Glazers in a position of power at Old Trafford. However, it is believed that the lifelong United supporter will have more influence on the sporting side.
This is a welcome development for United fans who have been critical of the Glazers’ management of football matters. One of the first appointments Ratcliffe is reportedly considering is that of a sporting director.
According to The Athletic, Paul Mitchell, a former sporting director at AS Monaco and a former head of recruitment at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, is being considered for the position. Mitchell has been linked to United consistently, especially during the period when Mauricio Pochettino was rumored to be taking charge. The 42-year-old has already laid out a blueprint for what the Reds need to return to the top.
In an interview with Sky Sports in July 2022, Mitchell explained: “It is sometimes difficult to comment when you’re not on the inside and fully aware of the context. I use the term ‘context’ a lot because I think it’s important to assess Manchester United’s current situation. However, I believe they need to clearly define what Manchester United should be in the modern game.
“We are a long way from the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Erik ten Hag is a top coach from Ajax, but they need a comprehensive plan not just for now, but for the next five years, and work toward that. Along the way, there may be tough moments when results don’t go right, even if you’re making the right decisions.
“You need to understand that over time, consistent decision-making will yield positive results. I think we’ve seen with both Manchester City and Liverpool that adopting a long-term strategy can lead to real consistency and sustainable success.
“I think that’s the most important thing for Manchester United: defining their identity in the modern game, both for now and, most importantly, for the next five years. They need to determine where they want to be, what they want to look like, including everything from young players to the style of play to the entire culture of Manchester United.”
Mitchell’s vision for United is difficult to dispute. The era of sacking managers and expecting an immediate change in results is over, and Ten Hag seems to be the right coach to support.
It appears that the Dutchman and Mitchell have the potential to shape a successful future for the Reds, and Ratcliffe’s appointment of the latter would be an early statement of intent.