Man Utd takeover latest: Ratcliffe 'fact finding mission', Ten Hag 'not the right man'

The wait goes on for Manchester United supporters as they await official confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment at Old Trafford.

Just over a year has passed since the Glazers revealed they were “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives” for the 13-time Premier League champions and that was believed to involve a full sale of the club.

However, despite receiving interest from lifelong United supporter Ratcliffe and Qatari businessmen Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani in the months that followed, it became increasingly unlikely a full sale would be agreed.

INEOS CEO Ratcliffe agreed to purchase a 25 percent share in United last month and is reportedly set to take control of football operations at Old Trafford and make several key appointments within the Red Devils hierarchy.

The Athletic have reported Ratcliffe, former British Cycling performance director Sir Dave Brailsford and INEOS’ Jean-Claude Blanc met United officials in a ‘fact finding mission’ late last week as a formal announcement edges closer.  Blanc is said to be under consideration to take over as United’s chief executive as Richard Arnold is set to officially step down from the role at the end of the month.

United blasted for Cherries display

United have been accused of throwing the towel in Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth.

The Red Devils went into the game hoping to build on their hard-earned midweek win against Chelsea - but were undone by a hardworking Cherries side that continued their recent upturn in form with a 3-0 win. Former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke put the visitors with just five minutes on the clock and second-half strikes from Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi ensured Bournemouth became the fourth side to claim maximum points from a visit to Old Trafford this season.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood was left unimpressed by the performance and attitude of the United players as their preparations for a big week got off to a poor start.

He told Sky Sports: “We're talking about a team in 16th going away from home to Old Trafford. I'm within my rights to think Manchester United, with world-class players and the money they've spent, should be able to break them down and score.

"But they got worse. In the second half, they came out and it looked like they had thrown the towel in, which is unfortunate for their fans watching on.  At the moment, I cannot see Manchester United getting into the top four this season with performances like that."

Ten Hag ‘isn’t the right man’ for United claim

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has claimed United should part company with manager Erik ten Hag and insisted it is ‘time for a change’ at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax head coach enjoyed a productive first season in charge as he led the club back into the Champions League and landed major silverware following the Carabao Cup Final win against Newcastle United. Ten Hag’s second summer transfer window saw the likes of Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount all over to Old Trafford - but progress has been limited and United’s form has been, at best, inconsistent.

Saturday’s home defeat against Bournemouth left United three points adrift of the top four and increased speculation over Ten Hag’s long-term future at the club.  Former England midfielder Murphy has claimed the Dutchman ‘isn’t the right man for United’ and should be replaced if a replacement has been identified.

He told The Daily Mail: “I’ve always thought United would give Ten Hag until the end of the season but if they want to get to where they want to be, a change probably needs to happen now and let a new manager work out what he needs to do.

“It’s a shame because Ten Hag is a likeable guy but you get the sense the United job came a bit too early for him.  At Ajax, he never had to manage superstars. He never had to deal with the constant magnifying glass of being at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“He’s learning on the job and it’s not working. Unless the manager changes, neither will the style.  It’s time for a change but only if they have a plan in place. There is no point sacking Ten Hag now unless United know what they want to do next. But it’s clear this manager isn’t the right man for United.”