Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest Man United appointment receives praise, it’s an interesting move

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have made their first major decision at Manchester United in relation to the women’s team.

It has been confirmed by various sources, including the BBC, that Matt Johnson will be appointed as the interim head of women’s football at United for six months from the end of the season.

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Johnson, who currently works for the club’s Foundation and oversees the girls’ regional and emerging talent centres, will replace Polly Bancroft, who will leave the club following the season’s conclusion.

According to MailOnline, INEOS’ decision to promote Johnson is the first move as they plan an overhaul of the women’s department. However, The Athletic added that the leadership team in place at the club before INEOS’ arrival was aware of Johnson’s suitability for the position.

Importantly, though, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his current team are not rushing into a long-term decision before their leadership team is in place. Dan Ashworth will eventually become the club’s sporting director, and other roles also need to be filled.

Despite this, Johnson moving into the role even on an interim basis is a move that has received praise among the United fanbase, despite the club’s underwhelming season in the WSL thus far.

“It’s good to see INEOS are still looking around the club and promoting from within,” one fan wrote on social media platform X. “It’s nice to have an even balance and the work the United foundation does is absolutely fantastic and I’m sure he’s played his part in that!”

However, there is still unrest within the fanbase surrounding the future of manager Marc Skinner, who has recently addressed the chanting against him at games.

“I will never, and this club will never, stop anybody singing what they want to do,” Skinner said back in January. “Everyone’s voices are super important. I think you’ve known me long enough to know I’d never do that. My focus is on this team. It’s about getting the best out of the team.”

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The aforementioned report from MailOnline added that talks remain ongoing for a new contract at the club for Skinner.