As Manchester United grapples with the aftermath of their European exit, attention turns to the upcoming Premier League clash against arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The Bayern Munich defeat in the Champions League further compounds United’s woes, with injury concerns now extending to key players Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, both forced off during the match.
The absence of a Europa League fallback after finishing at the bottom of Group A intensifies the pressure on United. Off the field, the imminent investment from INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in the form of a 25% minority takeover worth £1.25 billion, adds a layer of anticipation.
The 71-year-old is set to collaborate initially with the Glazer family, and the impact of this impending deal on United’s January transfer window plans remains uncertain. Reports suggest a potential reshuffling of the squad, with Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial possibly on the move.
Despite the bitter disappointment of the Champions League exit, there are currently no plans to relieve manager Erik ten Hag of his duties at United. The Glazers, cognizant of the impending arrival of INEOS, are unlikely to complicate matters by sacking Ten Hag at this juncture. The fate of Ten Hag, therefore, is likely to be determined by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
INEOS has a known affinity for Graham Potter as a manager, with prior interest evident before Francesco Farioli’s appointment at Nice. While there is an understanding of Brailsford’s advocacy for Potter, it remains uncertain whether INEOS views Potter as a suitable candidate for the managerial role at Old Trafford in the event of parting ways with Ten Hag.
As United navigates through a challenging period, both on and off the field, the impending changes in ownership dynamics and potential managerial considerations add layers of complexity to the club’s narrative.
The clash against Liverpool serves as a crucial test for United, not just on the pitch but also in the broader context of their ongoing transformation and strategic decision-making.
