INEOS Takeover: 3 Vital Decisions Manchester United Must Make in 2024 for Success

Manchester United will have new owners for the new year but the changes can’t come soon enough. At the time of writing, United have just lost their 14th game of the season away to Nottingham Forest. The defeat at the City Ground means United have lost five games in December for the first time since 1933.
The damning statistics stretch beyond results, with the Reds in 18th for the number of goals scored this season. Erik ten Hag’s men are currently 8 points adrift from the top 4, and so from whichever angle you decide to look at it, United are in need of complete and urgent overhaul.

The silver lining is the recently announced arrival of INEOS. United confirmed Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ acquisition of 25% of class B shares and 25% of class A shares from Manchester United PLC. The agreement will see INEOS control football operations, spanning across the men’s, women’s and academy teams.

INEOS’ takeover requires processing which according to various reports should take around 4-6 weeks. Ahead of that, here are three vital changes INEOS need to make to begin to Change United’s fortunes.

1. Erik ten Hag, In or Out?

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Just like his predecessors, Ten Hag is beginning to split opinion. After a promising first season, the pillars of optimism seem to have collapsed at Old Trafford. A top-four finish coupled with silverware was probably in the realms of hope that several fans wanted from the Dutchman’s pilot season in charge. After a tough start to the 22/23 season, United hit a groove of form that saw United end a six-year trophy drought with a League cup win at Wembley. With Marcus Rashford in the form of his life, wins against Barcelona in the Europa League and reaching the FA Cup final inspired a good feeling amongst United fans.

This season though, United look a completely different team. Last term, United could just about bear a 7-0 defeat at Anfield because it was unanticipated. Now, United fans are in a space where there is very little confidence going into games. Ten Hag, despite his best work to temper expectations, seems unable to turn the tide of poor performances. The style of play remains a huge issue and the Dutchman can’t even rely on last season’s heavy hitters due to their patchy form. Ten Hag is running out of time.

The saving grace for Ten Hag has been the uncertainty and the drawn-out process of the takeover. Had the transaction been made earlier, contingencies may have been in place for a more suitable successor in the eyes of INEOS. Rumours of a new deal for Ten Hag in September have died down, but INEOS will either need to double down on the support of Ten Hag with a new contract, or move him on to pursue a different project.

2. Contracts, wages and extensions

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Talking of new contracts, United have a number of players approaching their final year of their respective contracts. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Hannibal Mejbri, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton all have deals that expire this summer. In each case, there are very real arguments to suggest United would benefit from their departure. In the case of Martial, intense scrutiny on his performances and fitness means his departure is almost certain be that in January or at the end of the season. However, United seem to be keen on keeping the rest.

United have extended Lindelof’s deal by exercising an option for a further year. The same option exists for the others mentioned but whether they should be acted upon have taken place. It’s been revealed that the option to activate the year extension on Varane’s contract has been denied by the club. Instead, the club hopes to negotiate a new reduced deal on his £340,000 contract. Talks to activate Wan-Bissaka and Hannibal’s clause are also taking place.

INEOS have a real opportunity to stamp their mark and set a new precedent at United. The fact that the players’ contracts have been allowed to run down without any real urgency to renew and extend does point to the fact that they’re futures should lie elsewhere. With the possible exception of Hannibal, for various reasons – should any of them be kept on?

3. Old Trafford – renovation, rebuild or relocation?

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The Theatre of Dreams has been a talking point for a number of years. When compared to the facilities across the league, it leaves a lot to be desired. Roof leaks at Old Trafford have become a symbol of Glazer neglect over the years but INEOS can change that.

As part of their investment, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have promised an injection of £300m to improve Old Trafford. The sum may not be enough for a complete renovation or rebuild but it has prompted discussions about the ground’s future. For some, the hallowed turf needs to be protected and therefore only a touch-ups or expansions will suffice. Others take the view that to keep up the standards with some of Europe’s leading arenas, Old Trafford needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. A smaller group of fans would prefer a relocation but that perspective is an overwhelming minority.

One thing that is for sure is that in keeping with new promises of transparency and decisions – a likely outcome needs to be revealed. If INEOS can reveal their intentions with the ground sooner rather than later, the further project will also become clearer.

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