The five things Ineos must do next after 100 days at Manchester United
It is 100 days since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United was officially completed.
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Hide AdConfirmation of Ineos investment in the club had been a formality since the announcement on Christmas Eve that Ratcliffe’s offer had been accepted, but still, it brought great excitement with it.
“To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility,” Ratcliffe said. “This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”
The first 100 days are crucial to any leaders in a new role. It is the time for them to make a positive first impression, layout their vision and make an immediate impact. Ineos have enjoyed a productive start to life at Old Trafford, yet there is still lots to be done. Here are the next five things on their list:
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The biggest decision of the lot is to decide what to do next with Erik ten Hag. Ineos are currently conducting their end-of-season review and are not expected to communicate the outcome of it until next week.
Ten Hag was under huge pressure after recording their lowest ever Premier League finish, but redeemed himself somewhat with victory in the FA Cup final last weekend.
Ineos must now decide whether there was enough mitigation to their disappointing campaign or whether the Dutchman isn't the right fit for them going forward.
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Dan Ashworth is still United's only choice for the sporting director role, though they do not expect him to be appointed in time to oversee their summer plans.
He is currently on gardening leave from Newcastle and is expected to undergo an arbitration hearing in order to resolve the complicated situation he finds himself in.
There is not much more Ineos can do right now to resolve the situation, but the longer it goes on, the more they might have to consider paying Newcastle the hefty compensation fee they feel they are entitled to.
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Hide AdUpgrades to Carrington
Ratcliffe slammed the shambolic state of the club's IT department and warned 'untidiness' would not be tolerated under the Ineos regime.
Image matters a lot to United's new co-owners, and this summer they will look to revamp the Carrington training complex as they look to raise standards and operate as the elite club they brand themselves as.
In the long run, Ineos would like to build a new training ground for the club, but for now, the focus is on improving current facilities as best they can.
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The Old Trafford task force has already held its inaugural meeting as they decide what to do next with the famous stadium and the surrounding areas.
Ratcliffe's preference would be to build a brand new world-class football stadium as well as regenerate the local area, but we are still only at the start of the journey to do that.
Early estimations suggest it would cost £2billion to create a 'Wembley of the north' and it is unclear where all of that money would come from.
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It can't be underestimated just how important transfers will be this summer. All of the other decisions are great, but they count for little if the team on the pitch aren't successful.
Ineos are looking to revamp the recruitment structure by signing Premier League proven young talent and this summer is the first for them to prove things really have changed.
Just as important will be player sales, with United targeting a record level of departures as they look to comply with FFP and PSR regulations.
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