Club Sale | It’s done!

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So we have Luckhurst saying he’s gone and James Ducker saying he’s going nowhere…
 

  • John Murtough expects to play a part in any transition under Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United despite uncertainty over his position as football director.
  • United announced Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive last week and Murtough’s role has come under intense scrutiny with the Ineos founder’s team known to be looking at a number of candidates for a new sporting director.
  • Telegraph Sport reported last week that, in addition to Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and the former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell, Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are all under consideration for a director of football role.
  • Nonetheless, it is understood that Murtough expects to work with Ineos during the transition process once Ratcliffe’s estimated £1.3 billion deal for a quarter stake in the club has been concluded and potentially beyond if his role evolved in a way that worked for both parties.
  • Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal by now but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thanksgiving holidays start in the US on Thursday and some close to the process fear it could be next week before an announcement is forthcoming.
  • Ratcliffe feels recruitment issues have been one of the factors behind United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and must improve as he prepares to take control of football operations, hence why his team at Ineos have been looking closely at specialists in that field.
  • What is unclear at this stage is whether the potential arrival of an external sporting director could lead specifically to the departure of Murtough, or changes to his current role and responsibilities.
  • At present, Murtough’s wide ranging remit extends to overseeing the academy and women’s set-ups as well as the men’s first team, in addition operations at the club’s Carrington base.
  • Ratcliffe, who is expected to take some guidance from Ferguson, and his key executives at Ineos must decide whether Murtough retains a value to them beyond any interim stage, even if responsibility for first-team recruitment is placed in other hands.
  • There will also be a six to eight-week wait for the Premier League to ratify any deal before Ratcliffe can press ahead with plans, which helps to explain some of the frustrations at the delays with the January transfer window around the corner.
  • Arnold’s departure was seen as the first of what are expected to be a number of changes at senior level by Ratcliffe, although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker.
  • But it is understood that there have so far been no indications among United’s most senior executives of an impending change to Murtough’s situation
  • While there was a feeling among staff that Arnold had begun to disengage over recent weeks and relations with Joel Glazer had deteriorated somewhat, it is understood there has been no sense of that with Murtough.
  • Rumours over the past week that Murtough’s office had already been cleared out have been met with bemusement by colleagues.
  • Murtough has been on a short holiday during the international break but is due back at Carrington on Wednesday, before the first team squad return from their travels.
  • Staff say Murtough has been as visible a presence as ever around the training ground and has shown little inclination to take a back seat since it became clear last month that Ratcliffe was likely to come on board.
  • Murtough is still hoping to make more additions of his own to United’s existing recruitment team as part of major changes to the scouting set-up at youth and first-team level.
  • United have spent more than £400 million with mixed results under Ten Hag, who has exerted huge influence over the club’s transfer policy, and it remains to be seen how much money will be available in January.
  • Resolving the future of England winger Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled since early September after a falling out with Ten Hag, is considered a priority.
  • Juventus and Sancho’s former club Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close eye on the situation and Saudi Arabia could renew their interest in the player, even if his preference is to stay in Europe at this stage of his career
 
Mickeza said:
Genuinely like Groundhog Day every fecking week. “Announcement expected this week but could slip into next week” - rinse and fecking repeat.
Click to expand...
By the time they "finalize" this deal, the Glazers will have raised their valuation to £50B.
 
Mickeza said:
Genuinely like Groundhog Day every fecking week. “Announcement expected this week but could slip into next week” - rinse and fecking repeat.
Click to expand...

Its a very complicated deal. Not really surprising.

I can see it being an operational nightmare for those who will come in even after its signed.

The decision-making process is going to be very complicated, especially strategic planning decisions.
 
sglowrider said:
Its a very complicated deal. Not really surprising.

I can see it being an operational nightmare for those who will come in even after its signed.

The decision-making process is going to be very complicated, especially strategic planning decisions.
Click to expand...
Feck ya get in! Sounds promising af.
 
"Although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker."

See, nothing to worry about :nervous:
 
Last edited:
spwd said:
"Although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker."

See, nothing to worry about :nervous:
Click to expand...

Simples. 25% doesn't get you control. I think/am hoping Ratcliffe & team can make some short-term fixes.

But long-term structural ones will require 100% control of the club/organisation --- since the Glazers & Ratcliffe will have different long-term objectives.
 
The delay of announcement certain isnt a good thing for IENOS. With the authenticity of $33 offer and thus the valuation, many entity may try to hijack the deal imo. I think the lack of bidders for the process so far was simply because the overestimation of the Qatari resolution to outbid all potential bidders. I suspect multiple entities have already reached out to the Glazers after the Qatari brief their dropout last month.
 
blackhawk747 said:
The delay of announcement certain isnt a good thing for IENOS. With the authenticity of $33 offer and thus the valuation, many entity may try to hijack the deal imo. I think the lack of bidders for the process so far was simply because the overestimation of the Qatari resolution to outbid all potential bidders. I suspect multiple entities have already reached out to the Glazers after the Qatari brief their dropout last month.
Click to expand...

I am sure there is a deadline for any agreement Ratcliffe has with the Glazers.
 
Yeah. Could thi
Licha-Vidic said:

  • John Murtough expects to play a part in any transition under Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United despite uncertainty over his position as football director.
  • United announced Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive last week and Murtough’s role has come under intense scrutiny with the Ineos founder’s team known to be looking at a number of candidates for a new sporting director.
  • Telegraph Sport reported last week that, in addition to Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and the former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell, Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are all under consideration for a director of football role.
  • Nonetheless, it is understood that Murtough expects to work with Ineos during the transition process once Ratcliffe’s estimated £1.3 billion deal for a quarter stake in the club has been concluded and potentially beyond if his role evolved in a way that worked for both parties.
  • Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal by now but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thanksgiving holidays start in the US on Thursday and some close to the process fear it could be next week before an announcement is forthcoming.
  • Ratcliffe feels recruitment issues have been one of the factors behind United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and must improve as he prepares to take control of football operations, hence why his team at Ineos have been looking closely at specialists in that field.
  • What is unclear at this stage is whether the potential arrival of an external sporting director could lead specifically to the departure of Murtough, or changes to his current role and responsibilities.
  • At present, Murtough’s wide ranging remit extends to overseeing the academy and women’s set-ups as well as the men’s first team, in addition operations at the club’s Carrington base.
  • Ratcliffe, who is expected to take some guidance from Ferguson, and his key executives at Ineos must decide whether Murtough retains a value to them beyond any interim stage, even if responsibility for first-team recruitment is placed in other hands.
  • There will also be a six to eight-week wait for the Premier League to ratify any deal before Ratcliffe can press ahead with plans, which helps to explain some of the frustrations at the delays with the January transfer window around the corner.
  • Arnold’s departure was seen as the first of what are expected to be a number of changes at senior level by Ratcliffe, although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker.
  • But it is understood that there have so far been no indications among United’s most senior executives of an impending change to Murtough’s situation
  • While there was a feeling among staff that Arnold had begun to disengage over recent weeks and relations with Joel Glazer had deteriorated somewhat, it is understood there has been no sense of that with Murtough.
  • Rumours over the past week that Murtough’s office had already been cleared out have been met with bemusement by colleagues.
  • Murtough has been on a short holiday during the international break but is due back at Carrington on Wednesday, before the first team squad return from their travels.
  • Staff say Murtough has been as visible a presence as ever around the training ground and has shown little inclination to take a back seat since it became clear last month that Ratcliffe was likely to come on board.
  • Murtough is still hoping to make more additions of his own to United’s existing recruitment team as part of major changes to the scouting set-up at youth and first-team level.
  • United have spent more than £400 million with mixed results under Ten Hag, who has exerted huge influence over the club’s transfer policy, and it remains to be seen how much money will be available in January.
  • Resolving the future of England winger Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled since early September after a falling out with Ten Hag, is considered a priority.
  • Juventus and Sancho’s former club Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close eye on the situation and Saudi Arabia could renew their interest in the player, even if his preference is to stay in Europe at this stage of his career
Click to expand...


Could this be any more of a puff piece for Murtough? Wonder if any other non related paper will pick it up?

In a takeover words are cheap. Any verbal agreements before the bell aren't worth the paper they're written on.
 
Castia said:
I think the vast majority wanted a full takeover rather than this 25% bollocks. Qatar, US, UK it doesn’t matter much if you want to act righteous you can find fault with any country
Click to expand...
Very funny. You can find fault with any oligarchy? Some human rights abusers are just not right for United, but these are not bad at all? US, UK, Qatar, spot the odd one out…The first two are liberal democracies who don’t want to play in the premiership. And who don’t feel it will polish up their tarnished image to own a team in a western country.
 
Licha-Vidic said:

  • John Murtough expects to play a part in any transition under Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United despite uncertainty over his position as football director.
  • United announced Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive last week and Murtough’s role has come under intense scrutiny with the Ineos founder’s team known to be looking at a number of candidates for a new sporting director.
  • Telegraph Sport reported last week that, in addition to Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and the former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell, Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are all under consideration for a director of football role.
  • Nonetheless, it is understood that Murtough expects to work with Ineos during the transition process once Ratcliffe’s estimated £1.3 billion deal for a quarter stake in the club has been concluded and potentially beyond if his role evolved in a way that worked for both parties.
  • Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal by now but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thanksgiving holidays start in the US on Thursday and some close to the process fear it could be next week before an announcement is forthcoming.
  • Ratcliffe feels recruitment issues have been one of the factors behind United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and must improve as he prepares to take control of football operations, hence why his team at Ineos have been looking closely at specialists in that field.
  • What is unclear at this stage is whether the potential arrival of an external sporting director could lead specifically to the departure of Murtough, or changes to his current role and responsibilities.
  • At present, Murtough’s wide ranging remit extends to overseeing the academy and women’s set-ups as well as the men’s first team, in addition operations at the club’s Carrington base.
  • Ratcliffe, who is expected to take some guidance from Ferguson, and his key executives at Ineos must decide whether Murtough retains a value to them beyond any interim stage, even if responsibility for first-team recruitment is placed in other hands.
  • There will also be a six to eight-week wait for the Premier League to ratify any deal before Ratcliffe can press ahead with plans, which helps to explain some of the frustrations at the delays with the January transfer window around the corner.
  • Arnold’s departure was seen as the first of what are expected to be a number of changes at senior level by Ratcliffe, although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker.
  • But it is understood that there have so far been no indications among United’s most senior executives of an impending change to Murtough’s situation
  • While there was a feeling among staff that Arnold had begun to disengage over recent weeks and relations with Joel Glazer had deteriorated somewhat, it is understood there has been no sense of that with Murtough.
  • Rumours over the past week that Murtough’s office had already been cleared out have been met with bemusement by colleagues.
  • Murtough has been on a short holiday during the international break but is due back at Carrington on Wednesday, before the first team squad return from their travels.
  • Staff say Murtough has been as visible a presence as ever around the training ground and has shown little inclination to take a back seat since it became clear last month that Ratcliffe was likely to come on board.
  • Murtough is still hoping to make more additions of his own to United’s existing recruitment team as part of major changes to the scouting set-up at youth and first-team level.
  • United have spent more than £400 million with mixed results under Ten Hag, who has exerted huge influence over the club’s transfer policy, and it remains to be seen how much money will be available in January.
  • Resolving the future of England winger Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled since early September after a falling out with Ten Hag, is considered a priority.
  • Juventus and Sancho’s former club Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close eye on the situation and Saudi Arabia could renew their interest in the player, even if his preference is to stay in Europe at this stage of his career
Click to expand...


Just hope he leaves when that Sporting Director gets appointed,trouble is longer it takes for even confirmation of deal then longer Ratcliffe has to wait before getting involved with club operations
 
If we are hiring dodgy Brailsford and his doping programme then Ineos can **** right off, may as well bring Greenwood back while at it.

Also if Murtough is staying then we know this is all consolidating the current set up rather than bringing in effective change.
 
Licha-Vidic said:

  • John Murtough expects to play a part in any transition under Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United despite uncertainty over his position as football director.
  • United announced Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive last week and Murtough’s role has come under intense scrutiny with the Ineos founder’s team known to be looking at a number of candidates for a new sporting director.
  • Telegraph Sport reported last week that, in addition to Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and the former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell, Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are all under consideration for a director of football role.
  • Nonetheless, it is understood that Murtough expects to work with Ineos during the transition process once Ratcliffe’s estimated £1.3 billion deal for a quarter stake in the club has been concluded and potentially beyond if his role evolved in a way that worked for both parties.
  • Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal by now but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thanksgiving holidays start in the US on Thursday and some close to the process fear it could be next week before an announcement is forthcoming.
  • Ratcliffe feels recruitment issues have been one of the factors behind United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and must improve as he prepares to take control of football operations, hence why his team at Ineos have been looking closely at specialists in that field.
  • What is unclear at this stage is whether the potential arrival of an external sporting director could lead specifically to the departure of Murtough, or changes to his current role and responsibilities.
  • At present, Murtough’s wide ranging remit extends to overseeing the academy and women’s set-ups as well as the men’s first team, in addition operations at the club’s Carrington base.
  • Ratcliffe, who is expected to take some guidance from Ferguson, and his key executives at Ineos must decide whether Murtough retains a value to them beyond any interim stage, even if responsibility for first-team recruitment is placed in other hands.
  • There will also be a six to eight-week wait for the Premier League to ratify any deal before Ratcliffe can press ahead with plans, which helps to explain some of the frustrations at the delays with the January transfer window around the corner.
  • Arnold’s departure was seen as the first of what are expected to be a number of changes at senior level by Ratcliffe, although sources stress that Joel Glazer, the United co-chairman, remains the majority shareholder and ultimate decision maker.
  • But it is understood that there have so far been no indications among United’s most senior executives of an impending change to Murtough’s situation
  • While there was a feeling among staff that Arnold had begun to disengage over recent weeks and relations with Joel Glazer had deteriorated somewhat, it is understood there has been no sense of that with Murtough.
  • Rumours over the past week that Murtough’s office had already been cleared out have been met with bemusement by colleagues.
  • Murtough has been on a short holiday during the international break but is due back at Carrington on Wednesday, before the first team squad return from their travels.
  • Staff say Murtough has been as visible a presence as ever around the training ground and has shown little inclination to take a back seat since it became clear last month that Ratcliffe was likely to come on board.
  • Murtough is still hoping to make more additions of his own to United’s existing recruitment team as part of major changes to the scouting set-up at youth and first-team level.
  • United have spent more than £400 million with mixed results under Ten Hag, who has exerted huge influence over the club’s transfer policy, and it remains to be seen how much money will be available in January.
  • Resolving the future of England winger Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled since early September after a falling out with Ten Hag, is considered a priority.
  • Juventus and Sancho’s former club Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close eye on the situation and Saudi Arabia could renew their interest in the player, even if his preference is to stay in Europe at this stage of his career
Click to expand...


I guess we can now draw definitive conclusions about how the Telegraph has been getting it's United stories, eh? Not sure these briefs are going to do Murtough much good.
 
padzilla said:
If we are hiring dodgy Brailsford and his doping programme then Ineos can **** right off, may as well bring Greenwood back while at it.

Also if Murtough is staying then we know this is all consolidating the current set up rather than bringing in effective change.
Click to expand...
My man woke up and chose negativity
 
Paul778 said:
Yeah. Could thi


Could this be any more of a puff piece for Murtough? Wonder if any other non related paper will pick it up?

In a takeover words are cheap. Any verbal agreements before the bell aren't worth the paper they're written on.
Click to expand...

Well, it would come in handy to have a verbal agreement in writing...
 
sglowrider said:
Its a very complicated deal. Not really surprising.
Click to expand...
It has been over a year. To sell 25% of the club. That target was March - presumably so the club could start infrastructure projects in the summer. Like everything they do it takes far longer than it should as they piss about dallying. We’re getting a front-view seat to why this club hasn’t been competitive for a decade with their inane decision making abilities.
 
horsechoker said:
My man woke up and chose negativity
Click to expand...

In fairness to our Pat, negativity has chosen him. Ratcliffe/Glazer is as inspiring as a wet fart.

Also, Brailsford looks like Gregg Wallace, only he's more like Walter White in his kitchen.
 
Mickeza said:
It has been over a year. To sell 25% of the club. That target was March - presumably so the club could start infrastructure projects in the summer. Like everything they do it takes far longer than it should as they piss about dallying. We’re getting a front-view seat to why this club hasn’t been competitive for a decade with their inane decision making abilities.
Click to expand...
Yup
 
Solius said:
Regular day today.
Click to expand...

We are transitioning from overwhelming majority Glazer ownership, to overwhelming majority Glazer ownership with a new press officer shilling for them. Every day is a regular day
 
Ducker has Murtough on speed dial then,
Id expect hell be pulled into the office after his holiday and asked to leave.

Much closer sources to INEOS have indicated he will be gone.

Sooner these ridiculous puff pieces and the idea of doing them is gone the better.
 
Tiber said:
We are transitioning from overwhelming majority Glazer ownership, to overwhelming majority Glazer ownership with a new press officer shilling for them. Every day is a regular day
Click to expand...

Well that's a very reductive way of looking at it.
 
TrebleChamp99 said:
Ducker has Murtough on speed dial then,
Id expect hell be pulled into the office after his holiday and asked to leave.

Much closer sources to INEOS have indicated he will be gone.

Sooner these ridiculous puff pieces and the idea of doing them is gone the better.
Click to expand...
Hes not been at Carrington for almost two weeks now, all of his personal belongings are still here though, he has never gone awol for this amount of time.......Just a matter of time now
 
blackhawk747 said:
The delay of announcement certain isnt a good thing for IENOS. With the authenticity of $33 offer and thus the valuation, many entity may try to hijack the deal imo. I think the lack of bidders for the process so far was simply because the overestimation of the Qatari resolution to outbid all potential bidders. I suspect multiple entities have already reached out to the Glazers after the Qatari brief their dropout last month.
Click to expand...
Wishful thinking. This is a done dealio.
 
Don't know if already posted here but good piece on Brailsford


Sir David Brailsford & Manchester United: What role will he have when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes investment?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67474385

Footballing names like Blanc, Mitchell, Maldini are the ones we want - don't need this cycling bloke anywhere near the club
 
Rood said:
Don't know if already posted here but good piece on Brailsford


Sir David Brailsford & Manchester United: What role will he have when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes investment?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67474385

Footballing names like Blanc, Mitchell, Maldini are the ones we want - don't need this cycling bloke anywhere near the club
Click to expand...

I'd be concerned if Brailsford was directly involved in football-specific decisions, but he's a proven world-class sporting analyst.

He could also be an alleged world-class sporting cheat... but the benefits of having him in a sporting setup are pretty apparent.
 
Mickeza said:
It has been over a year. To sell 25% of the club. That target was March - presumably so the club could start infrastructure projects in the summer. Like everything they do it takes far longer than it should as they piss about dallying. We’re getting a front-view seat to why this club hasn’t been competitive for a decade with their inane decision making abilities.
Click to expand...
100%

Grinds my gears how often people just say ’but oh, United have spent as much as City!’
You have to actually look at how poorly managed each transfer window was in the last decade to really tell the story.
 
Desperate stuff from Murtough.

Clearly feels the need to protect his reputation.

Tough times for Ducker as well, losing his guy
 
Media is so sure shot about everything on one day and starts backtracking the next day. It is hilarious they act as if they know every move Ratcliffe is gonna take, who he is gonna hire, who he is gonna sell, what exact things he is gonna do from Day 1, but just can't decide when is the day 1.
This week, next week, maybe next week, maybe next month.
 
Murtough will clearly be demoted at the very least so I'm not concerned. He's apparently good with the youth and women's team so let him focus on that.
 
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