I was filled with hope about INEOS. It didn't get rid of the Glazers, sure. But, any change like this would surely be better than the Glazer's on their own, right? Especially if the newcomers take over the football side.
The hope hasn't totally vanished. But, I'm starting to ask more and more questions.
I 100% believe Man Utd should stay faithful to ETH, and getting rid of him would be a massive mistake. Especially as I'm not confident any other manager would have worked miracles with our fractured squad this season. But, I've already said my piece on that.
But, what are INEOS doing exactly? The press were pretty much adamant before the Cup Final that ETH was about to get sacked. Was this based on solid foundations, or the press stirring the pot, and gathering steam as other reporters ran the story? Perhaps there was substance in it, after all, INEOS have never put those rumours to bed. So, I expected, and dreaded, that INEOS would announce the sacking of ETH shortly after the Cup Final. Yet, well over a week later, nothing. Fans don't know, and I assume players don't know and ETH doesn't know. Do INEOS even know? After all, they haven't even sorted themselves out yet, and have everyone in position at board level.
If they were going to bring in Poch, Tuchel or De Zerbi, I'd have thought they'd have just done it by now. I don't mind Poch (but still want the club to stick with ETH), although the other 2 fill me with dread. If they haven't brought these guys in, are they waiting for a manager who isn't yet available? In other words, Southgate? Oh, please God no. Nice chap, a diplomat, but CV is really poor as a Club Manager. He pretty much got the England job by default, after the shenanigans of Allardyce. And, despite England's excellent side and some good runs in tournaments, I think England fans generally agree is that Southgate is the weak link. Is there any evidence he is the type of manager who can play a style of football fans, including opposition fans, constantly tell us Man Utd should be playing?
When INEOS came in, I felt that as we approached the end of the season and got into the summer, they would be full steam ahead in planning the transfer strategy. Talking with the manager, looking at the players that can go, and doing a lot of work on the types of players, and personalities, we bring into the club. Then working on deals, so they can acquire them without spending the money that matches the GDP of a small country. But, how can any of that really happen without knowing the manager? Are current players, who like ETH, going to become unsettled? The likes of Mainoo, Garnacho, Bruno and Martinez probably have a good relationship with ETH, will they become disillusioned with another change in management. Will another manager give some players yet another chance, while ETH may be happy to let them go if an offer comes in?
Ironically, I've personally never felt Man Utd as being as unsettled as they are now, at the end of a season. Even in the season Ragnick took over temporary charge, a season that was just chaos, ETH was appointed by the end of April. So, as a fan, I was happy that the club could start planning for the future. I honestly have no idea what they are doing right now.
I live in hope that they have a Masterplan, one that will actually work. But, as each day passes, my doubts increase.
