Manchester United will have to consult INEOS about every decision involving transfers, or potentially sacking Erik ten Hag, in the coming weeks.
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INEOS' investment being ratifiedSir Jim Ratcliffe to buy 25 per cent of clubJanuary transfer window loomsWHAT HAPPENED?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is closing in on buying a 25 per cent stake in United, with the club announcing his investment on Christmas Eve, and the New York Stock Exchange have published a document outlining INEOS' plans for the club. While it claims that no dividends will be taken out of United, it also makes it clear that they must be consulted on every major football decision while their investment is being ratified, per The Times. The process of ratification will take up to six weeks, which includes the January transfer window.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United came from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Boxing Day, lifting some of the pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, with the Red Devils now sixth in the table. However, the document also makes it clear that were United to decide to sack the Dutchman, they will again have to seek the approval of Ratcliffe's group. Reports have already suggested Ratcliffe plans to make cutbacks, with 300 jobs at risk.
WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID
Ten Hag has insisted that the process of United's takeover has had no impact on his squad, although he is excited by the prospect of the investment.
He said: “I don’t think it has had an impact on the players. I was kept informed during the whole process. I think it is positive for the club they are stepping in.
“They have a lot of experience of sport at the highest level — of F1, of the cycling team, of other football clubs.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
United will hope to receive the Premier League's greenlight to move forward with the minority takeover from INEOS, as they look to once again climb the league table. Their influence is likely to be keenly felt throughout the January window, as Ratcliffe aims to return United to the "very top of world football".
