Sir Jim Ratcliffe identifies Man United’s biggest issue while director refutes job speculation

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified the priority that he plans to change at Manchester United as the confirmation of his 25% stake in the club looms closer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take a 25% stake in Manchester United after winning the battle against Sheikh Jassim to gain a holding in the club, with the Ineos founder set to gain control of all sporting matters surrounding Erik ten Hag.

While there is no immediate threat around Ten Hag’s job, changes have already taken place, with CEO Richard Arnold set to step down at the end of the calendar year, and other heads predicted to the role, too.

According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe feels that recruitment issues have been one of the major factors behind United’s struggles since 2013 and that this area must improve, hence why Ineos have been looking closely at specialists in that field.

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While reports have stated that football director John Murtough’s job is under threat at United, the man himself expects to play a part in any transition under Ratcliffe, according to the Telegraph’s report. Murtough is said to still hope to make more additions of his own to United’s existing recruitment team.

Currently, Murtough’s position at the club extends to overseeing the academy and women’s set-ups as well as the men’s first team, in addition to operations at the club’s Carrington training base.

The Telegraph describe that there have so far been no indications among United’s “most senior executives” of any change to Murtough’s job.

Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal for the club by now, but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thursday, and it is said that some close to the process fear it could be as late as next week before an official announcement is made.