The influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team will stretch beyond football operations, Manchester United staff have been told.
When the petrochemicals billionaire agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club it was announced that his group would purely take control of matters on the field at Old Trafford.
However, in a group call with workers on Wednesday interim chief executive Patrick Stewart disclosed that such a situation is impractical and that there will be a broader scope given the undeniable link between United's commercial and sporting operations.
It means that Ratcliffe and his people, whose deal is set to be rubber-stamped by the Premier League in the middle of next month - will be closely involved with majority owners the Glazers when it comes to business decisions. Both groups will discuss major moves to ensure there is harmony within the running of the club.
Insiders have disclosed that it was 'unrealistic' to think that the football and business sides of the club could have been run as separate entities.
The appointment of Omar Berrada as incoming chief executive officer will see the former Manchester City man across all elements of the business. His arrival is widely viewed as an INEOS appointment.
As Mail Sport revealed, INEOS head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford made initial contact before Ratcliffe and then the Glazers met Berrada for discussions.
Stewart reiterated the change in direction at United which will see performance on the field at the heart of every decision.
Staff have been told to reflect on what they can do in their roles to assist the club in its priority of winning matches.
The view within Old Trafford is that this is a marked change from life before Ratcliffe, when it was generally viewed that if the club was 'there or thereabouts' and challenging for honours it was sufficient. The tone of the call led some to believe that cuts may be part of that change.
INEOS are known to streamline business and trim fat where necessary and United - in some areas - are viewed as bloated.
douikprsy
0
rubbish for how long
BrintonC
1
The old United executives were hiding behind the successes that Sir Alex brought to the club. After Sir Alex left, there was no place to hide, and the cracks have all been exposed. I'm starting to believe that Sir Jim and INEOS are the right fit for a stronger and more competitive Manchester United. Would love to see the back of the Glazers soon though.
SMHellas
1
Just hyping him bcus he’s British, he’s not done anything yet, no signings,no constructions…. What’s the hype about??
The hype is about the fact he has already made decisions that appear far more sound from a business and football perspective than anyone named Glazer ever has or ever will
SMHellas
1
Does his influence go as far as locking out the Glazers from the club and forcing them to sell their remaining shares for $0.01 each? Please??
Valzy109
1
Just hyping him bcus he’s British, he’s not done anything yet, no signings,no constructions…. What’s the hype about??
coeinryz
0
You're all trying but let us see some action my team.Have a happy New Year the whole of United staff and fans.
Gifted1400
0
It would have sounded very pleasant if I have Mbappe in my team.
zancdimstu
0
This noise makers
Patrickstar1
2
actions speak louder than words 😏