Manchester United faces a tumultuous period following their European exit, with attention now shifting to a pivotal Premier League encounter against arch-rivals Liverpool. The recent Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich compounds their troubles, exacerbated by injuries to key players Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
The absence of a Europa League safety net intensifies the pressure on United, who finished at the bottom of Group A. Off-field developments add intrigue, with INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised for a 25% minority takeover worth £1.25 billion. This collaboration with the Glazer family raises questions about its impact on United’s January transfer window, with potential reshuffling involving players like Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial.
Despite Champions League disappointment, there are no immediate plans to dismiss manager Erik ten Hag. The Glazers, aware of INEOS’s impending arrival, are unlikely to complicate matters by sacking Ten Hag. The fate of the manager seems to rest in the hands of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
INEOS has shown interest in Graham Potter as a manager, given their prior consideration before Francesco Farioli’s appointment at Nice. While there’s an understanding of Dave Brailsford’s endorsement of Potter, it remains uncertain whether INEOS sees him as a suitable candidate for the Old Trafford managerial role if parting ways with Ten Hag.
As United navigates challenges on and off the field, the impending ownership changes and potential managerial considerations add complexity to the club’s narrative. The clash against Liverpool becomes a pivotal test, not just in the context of on-field performance but also in the broader transformation and strategic decisions unfolding at the club.
