Simon Jordan, like most of us, had his reservations about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of Manchester United.
While large sections of the Red Devils had been blinded a little by the golden promises of Sheikh Jassim, there was always a sense of mystery about INEOS’s approach. What would they bring to Old Trafford? How would they differ from the despised Glazer ownership?
Well, we’ve certainly got our answer these days.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived not promising big names – he actively dismissed the prospect of Manchester United making a move for Kylian Mbappe – but by quietly and efficiently putting in place the sort of footballing structure Europe’s greatest underachievers have been screaming out for for well over a decade.
John Murtough, following Richard Arnold, stepped down from his role as football director this week. United are expected to bring in Southampton chief Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth in directorial roles in the coming days, weeks or months, with both possessing more, let’s say, genuine ‘footballing nous’ than almost anyone hired under Glazer control.
John Murtough the latest to leave Manchester United
Even Simon Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman turned talkSPORT pundit, has to accept that – while there is still much to prove – INEOS are focusing on the right areas and making the right changes.
“From what I hear, (Murtough) is a decent fella,” Jordan says of a man who, while largely respected at Old Trafford, was never really cut out for such a role in such an institution (10 April, 11am).
“But there is a need to re-sophisticate what is going on at Manchester United and to channel their thoughts into a more coherent and potent fashion.
“I suspect (INEOS) are now clearing the decks and building the team that they think is going to build out the opportunities for the next spin of the wheel. The so-called ‘Ratcliffe revolution’.”
Jordan, probably correctly, identifies recruitment is the biggest issue plaguing Man United. The appointments of Ashworth – who played a major role in the rise of Brighton, Newcastle and the English national team post-Roy Hodgson – and a man who is very well-known to new CEO Omar Berrada in Wilcox should go a long way to correcting the mistakes of the past.
Wilcox and Ashworth remain top targets for INEOS
“What’s wrong with Manchester United right now? (The big problem) is easily identifiable. Recruitment,” Jordan adds. “They (shop) at the top end of the market for the wrong characters.
“Jim Ratcliffe, at this moment in time, has an opportunity to set a higher standard. You look at the recruitment, you look at the players who have come through the door. You scratch your head and you think; ‘When did Manchester United become a club who needed to acquire Alexis Sanchez because they paid more money than Man City?
“When did they become that club, rather than the club that people wanted to go to?
“When did they become the club that bought players like Jadon Sancho. (Players) who are clearly not really right for Man United, yet they spent the hugest amount of money?”
According to reports, INEOS are expected to not only remove some of the pressure from the manager when it comes to choosing signings – be it Erik ten Hag or another – while embracing a more collaborative approach and prioritising youth and potential over big names and big reputations.
Eric Ramsey has departed already, meanwhile, while fellow coach Benni McCarthy could also go.