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Sources: Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes two 'huge' Man United deals as game-changing plan revealed
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to add two more clubs to his network within 12-24 months of his Man United takeover, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (4 November) that incoming owner Ratcliffe is keen to develop a multi-club model which can rival Man City’s illustrious set-up.
The billionaire and his company INEOS are expected to run football operations at Old Trafford when a deal to purchase 25 per cent of the club is completed.
At present, Man United are unable to sign international Under-18 players due to Brexit-changing work permit rules – and that is hugely affecting their ability to source and develop elite young talent.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Red Devils chiefs currently feel that they are working with “one hand tied behind their back”.
The Old Trafford club have fallen behind the likes of Brighton in terms of recruitment, with the Seagulls able to take advantage of their relationship with Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to develop their players.
A similar system has been used to great effect by Premier League champions Man City – while RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg have benefitted from a similar set-up elsewhere in Europe.
INEOS and Ratcliffe already own Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice and Swiss side Lausanne and they would be incorporated into any future network which features Man United.
The Red Devils have spent just over £1billion on signings since the start of the 2017-18 season but are yet to mount a real title challenge in that time.
Ratcliffe is willing to commit to big spending on football operations but hopes to make the club more self-sufficient by bringing through young talent more effectively in what would be a “huge” change to how they currently operate.
Erik ten Hag’s side sit eighth in the Premier League following the win over Fulham on Saturday (4 November).
In other news, big update on Man United potentially sacking Ten Hag.