MANCHESTER UNITED: A DECADE OF POOR DECISIONS

The Glazers' Negligence

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently criticized Manchester United, calling them the "dumb money." He believes that the club has made a lot of mistakes in the past decade, especially when it comes to buying players. The Glazers, who own the club, have not been good at making the right decisions. They have hired the wrong people to run the club, like Richard Arnold and Ed Woodward, who have not done a good job.

Richard Arnold's Departure

Richard Arnold, the CEO of Manchester United, will be leaving his position soon. This was expected when Ratcliffe's investment was approved. Ratcliffe, a British billionaire, will acquire a 25% stake in the club for around £1.25 billion. Arnold has done a good job in improving the club's commercial side, but his handling of the Mason Greenwood situation made his position untenable.

The Need for Change

Arnold represents the Glazers' reign at the club, and Ratcliffe wants to bring in his own people to oversee football matters. Jean-Claude Blanc, who previously worked at Paris Saint-Germain, could replace Arnold as CEO. John Murtough, the football director, is also at risk of losing his position. The boardroom shake-up is ongoing, and appointing the right replacements will be crucial for the club's future success.

Poor Spending and Recruitment Strategy

Manchester United's spending has been poor, with Murtough leading the deals. The signing of Antony for £86 million shows that Erik ten Hag, the manager, has too much influence over the recruitment strategy. Ten Hag has spent over £400 million during his time at the club, mostly on players from the Eredivisie league. A sporting director should guide the manager, not give them everything they want.

The Importance of a Sporting Director

Finding a world-class sporting director will be crucial for Manchester United's future success. This decision could determine whether the club will continue to fail or finally achieve success. Paul Mitchell and Dougie Freedman are among the names being considered for the role. Ratcliffe's intention to bring in leading footballing minds shows his commitment to improving the club.

Ratcliffe's Potential Impact

Ratcliffe is known for pursuing marginal gains in sport with his company, INEOS. His desire to employ the best decision-makers in the industry gives Manchester United the best chance of success on the pitch. While some fans preferred the Qatari bid, Ratcliffe's early signs are positive. The Qatari proposal lacked details on how the footballing side would be operated and had no prior experience in football.

The Need for Experience

Manchester United needs someone with vast experience in a key role, rather than relying on former players for optics. Ratcliffe's track record in elite sport is impressive, and it is hoped that he can bring success to the club. Hiring the right people is crucial for the club's future.

Conclusion

Manchester United has made a lot of poor decisions in the past decade. The Glazers' negligence, along with the wrong people in key positions, has led to a lack of success. Ratcliffe's investment and his intention to bring in experienced decision-makers offer hope for the future. Manchester United needs to make the right choices to avoid being the "dumb money" anymore.