Manchester United: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Revolution – Targeting Major Cultural Change
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the potential new owner of Manchester United, is preparing to revolutionize the club and bring about major cultural change. While his 25 per cent stake in the club has not been fully ratified yet, the moves being made by Ratcliffe and his Ineos team clearly indicate their intention to bring about radical transformation rather than mere evolution.
With the investment in United now approved by the Premier League and the FA, Ratcliffe has been conducting an audit of the club, overseen by former head of British Cycling Sir Dave Brailsford. This audit has already led to significant changes, including the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO, poached from rivals Manchester City, and the imminent arrival of Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as United’s new sporting director. These major structural changes are being prioritized over immediate spending on players, signaling Ratcliffe’s vision for lasting transformation at a club with a historically outdated hierarchy.
Ratcliffe’s focus on long-term growth is further evidenced by proposals to redevelop Old Trafford into the “Wembley of the north,” a project that could take years to complete. It is clear that Ratcliffe aims to bring about a new dawn for Manchester United, emphasizing lasting cultural and operational changes over quick-fix solutions.
Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and Joel Glazer are set to form a committee overseeing football matters, with Brailsford identifying United as a “performance challenge.” The decision to pursue figures like Dan Ashworth, known for his expertise in overhauling transfer departments and club operations, signals a strategic shift in the club’s approach. While negotiations for Ashworth may be complex and involve substantial compensation fees, Ratcliffe and Ineos seem willing to invest in the individuals they believe are crucial to kick-starting the Old Trafford revolution.
In addition to the appointments of Berrada and Ashworth, there are plans for further restructuring within the club, including the search for a head of recruitment and an overhaul of the scouting department. The focus on bringing in key figures to drive strategic change is evident, with a keen eye on long-term success rather than short-term fixes.
Importantly, discussions of individual player signings have been relatively scarce, indicating a move away from big-money transfers as the primary driver of change. Instead, the emphasis seems to be on building a strong foundation for sustained success, akin to the methods that have led to triumphs for clubs like Real Madrid.
Despite criticisms of Brailsford’s lack of football expertise, the strategic appointments and changes being pursued suggest a thoughtful and calculated approach to transforming Manchester United into a formidable force once again. With a focus on structural reform and long-term vision, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s revolution at Manchester United is poised to usher in a new era of success for the historic club.
