Main image credit: Marca.com
Recent transformations at Manchester United mark a significant shift in the club’s management and strategic approach, promising to usher in a new era of success in the club’s illustrious and glorious history. Summer transfer wranglings are already underway, with United seemingly close to landing several of their top targets: a promising start.
INEOS’s strategic vision for Manchester United includes a multi-faceted approach: financial clout, operational efficiency, youth development and smarter, shrewder, data-driven recruitment. So, who are they men charged with returning United to the top of English and European football?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Co-Owner
The Owner. Founder and chairman of INEOS; Sir Jim is a seasoned businessman with a proven track record in
transforming businesses across various sectors. His passion for sports, demonstrated by his involvement in INEOS Grenadiers and the sailing team INEOS Britannia, indicates his commitment to excellence and winning. Ratcliffe’s vision for Manchester United is to restore the club to its former glory by leveraging his business acumen and strategic insights.
Sir Dave Brailsford: Director of Sport
The Optimiser. Sir Jim’s right-hand man; he has had significant influence in putting the team together and will continue to oversee United’s strategic direction, while allowing those well-versed in the industry to lead on football-specific decision-making, such as picking transfer targets.
Known for his success with British Cycling and Team Sky; Brailsford brings a wealth of experience in high-performance sports management. His methodical and data-driven approach has revolutionised cycling, and he aims to apply similar principles at Manchester United. His focus will be on optimising performance through marginal gains and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Omar Berrada: Chief Executive Officer
The Strategist. Formerly with Manchester City, Berrada is renowned for his expertise in commercial operations
and strategic planning.
His role will involve overseeing the club’s business operations, ensuring financial sustainability, and expanding Manchester United’s global commercial footprint. Berrada’s experience in the football industry is crucial for driving the club’s commercial success.
Dan Ashworth: Sporting Director
The ‘Football Guy’. A Sporting Director’s job should not be solely focused on recruitment, as Dan Ashworth knows well. His background with the FA and Brighton & Hove Albion highlights his proficiency in talent development and football administration.
At Manchester United, he will be responsible for overseeing the footballing philosophy, player recruitment, and development pathways. His ability to identify and nurture talent will be vital for building a sustainable squad. He will now oversee every aspect of Manchester United’s football operations: from the academy to the women’s team, from the performance department to the medical staff.
He is the point man for the new, INEOS-led era regarding all on-pitch matters and will report to incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.
The causes of United’s issues in the market over the past decade are complex and multi-faceted, and personnel changes are only part of the story. Better recruitment will require sustained systemic improvements, backed by strong leadership and conviction on strategy, which is where Ashworth comes in. It is the most glaring area in need of improvement and something INEOS will be paying special attention towards.
What is undisputed is that the breadth and depth of the information at United’s fingertips is impressive, fed by an army of approximately 160 scouts working either full- or part-time.
Jason Wilcox: Technical Director
The Developer. With a history of success at Manchester City’s academy, Wilcox’s appointment signifies a
commitment to developing homegrown talent. He will focus on creating a robust youth development program, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent from the academy to the first team.
Wilcox could take on much of Murtough’s work,having gotten somewhat familiar with the role and starteed to develop connections having operated in the academy when with neighbours City, before a year in charge at
a senior level at Championship side Southampton.
Christopher Vivell: Director of Global Talent
The Analyst. Vivell’s experience with RB Leipzig’s scouting network and data analytics will be instrumental in modernising Manchester United’s recruitment strategy. His role involves integrating advanced analytics to identify and acquire top talent efficiently, providing a competitive edge in the transfer market. The former Chelsea associate will be joining on a short term basis for now with a view to make the move permanent.
Erik Ten Hag: Manager
The Boss. One of the key moves under the new INEOS regime has been securing a new deal for manager
Erik ten Hag. Recognising the progress made under his tenure, the board has extended his contract, providing him with the stability and confidence needed to implement his long-term vision.
Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players, Ten Hag’s vision aligns with the club’s long-term objectives. His clear football philosophy and emphasis on high-intensity, attacking football are expected to bring success on the pitch. With the newly reaffirmed faith he will exercise a crucial vote on any incomings, and no player will be signed without his agreement. United have also been exploring options to refresh Ten Hag’s backroom staff.
Other appointees
The arrivals of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the former United striker and Rene Hake, the current head coach of the Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands are likely to lead to the departure of Mitchell van der Gaag, Ten Hag’s current assistant. United are also working on a deal to bring in Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who spent last season in the Premier League at Burnley, as goalkeeper coach. Richard Hartis, who has been United’s goalkeeping coach since 2019, joining under Ole.
The club still remains in a transitional period. The two recent trophies in successive campaigns have had little impact on the ever mounting pressure of expectations. Balancing long- term planning with short-term results will be a challenging task for Ten Hag and the new management. Negotiating the volatile and cut-throat market dynamics, along with the integration of new top players will be crucial going forward.
The acquisition of Manchester United by INEOS marks a bold and ambitious new chapter for the club. With significant financial backing, a clear strategic vision, and a commitment to both immediate and long-term success, the new club and sporting structure under INEOS aims to restore Manchester United to the pinnacle of English and European football. While challenges remain, the foundation has been laid for a future filled with promise and potential. As Manchester United heads into the new season, the club is well-positioned to make significant strides.
The journey may have its ups and downs, but with INEOS’s backing and Erik ten Hag’s leadership, Manchester United is poised for a new era of success.