In the midst of sweeping changes at Manchester United, prospective minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to consult with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson for insights as he seeks a new sporting director.
Sir Jim, set to take control of sporting operations with a 25 percent stake, plans to overhaul the club’s structure, including the recruitment strategy.
With Chief Executive Richard Arnold already announcing his departure, other executives are expected to follow suit. Ratcliffe aims to usher in a new era by appointing a sporting director, and his discussions with Ferguson could influence the choice.
Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman, a longtime ally of Ferguson, is among the names rumored to play a major role in Ratcliffe’s vision.
The Telegraph report highlights other sporting directors admired by Ratcliffe, including Lee Congerton from Atalanta, Andrea Berta from Atletico Madrid, and the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara. Paul Mitchell, a former Monaco transfer guru with Premier League experience, is also in contention.
Jean-Claude Blanc, former PSG chief overseeing Ineos’ sporting profile, is expected to replace Arnold as CEO, while Patrick Stewart will temporarily fill the role. Ratcliffe’s commitment to improving United’s football operations is evident, and seeking advice from Ferguson underscores his dedication to a positive transformation, which could resonate well with fans seeking a significant shift from the current regime.
Despite full takeover offers, the Glazer family has chosen to retain power by selling a minority stake to Ineos instead of a complete sale, reflecting the complexities of the ongoing transition.
