Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday night that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in the club has been completed.
This news was expected because it has been well-documented for a few months now, but this deal has now been approved by the Premier League and the Football Association.
Paul Merson was pretty blunt when hearing about this news and stated that there are ‘no excuses’ now for Manchester United and ‘sitting behind’ their unpopular owners, the Glazers, as he told Sky Sports News (20/02/24 at 9:20 pm).
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been present at Old Trafford in recent times, with his visit on Boxing Day during the comeback 3-2 win over Aston Villa starting the upturn in form.
A number of months ago, you wouldn’t have given Erik ten Hag any hope of securing Champions League football.
But Rasmus Hojlund had other ideas and those wins against Aston Villa, as well as their most recent display at Luton Town, have now put them only five points behind fourth spot.
Paul Merson thinks securing that all-important lucrative spot is now a must and the introduction of Sir Jim Ratcliffe are ‘positive signs’.
Manchester United confirm Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal
“Results have been good, but I don’t think the performances have been great,” said Merson. “But they have been winning football matches and they are right back in it now in the top four.
“All positive stuff for Man United. No more excuses really now. Keep on sitting behind the Glazers, they have to start performing on the pitch and get back into Champions League football as quickly as possible.
“But, yeah, positive signs for Manchester United.”
Presssure on Erik ten Hag
Previously, a lot of the noise would be directed at those sitting at the top of Manchester United’s tree when results weren’t going their way.
But now that can’t happen because a footballing structure is being built away from the pitch, including the possible arrival of Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United.
Sources have told HITC Football that the Newcastle United sporting director has told the club he wants to make the move to Old Trafford – he has since been put on gardening leave.
As those changes happen, the pressure will only mount on ten Hag on the touchline to improve results and performances.
That starts with getting the club back with Europe’s elite, you feel if that doesn’t happen, then a lot of criticism will be directed at him in May.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
