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Man United takeover: Big Ratcliffe update and news on January transfers - sources
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent takeover is not likely to have a major impact on January business at Man United, sources have told Football Insider.
Erik ten Hag’s side had previously needed to sell players to bring in new signings in the mid-season window, and that remains the case with Financial Fair Play restricting Ratcliffe’s ability to pump money into the Old Trafford side.
It is believed players will need to be offloaded by the billionaire’s new regime if any signings are to be made in January.
The INEOS Sport businessman is poised to take control of 25% of Man United in the coming days as a full agreement inches closer.
Ratcliffe is expected to take control of the club’s footballing operations despite not holding a majority stake in the club.
The UK’s richest man and his team are eyeing up the appointment of a director of football as he looks to reshape the structure of United.
But it is likely to be the summer window next year when tangible changes at the club are noticeable.
Man United spent big money on the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and more in the most recent summer window – which has hampered their ability to move for more stars in January.
Despite those deals, the Red Devils are struggling for form in the 2023-24 campaign and sit sixth in the Premier League table.
United also sit bottom of the Champions League and are on the verge of being dumped out of the competition.
One of Ratcliffe’s ultimate aims at Old Trafford is to make United the jewel in a multi-club network which already includes OGC Nice and Lausanne.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (7 November) that he is planning to add two more clubs to his INEOS network within 12-24 months of his Man United takeover.
In other news, Man City trump Man United by £65million as record smashed.