Ratcliffe's 4 Man Utd decisions early in transfer window explain his blueprint
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in asserting his authority at Manchester United, even if it is only from behind the scenes.
The billionaire is now in charge of the club's football operations and has brought some of his trusted lieutenants on board to aid him. United are in dire need of some direction with their failings over the past decade underlining their issues.
Their activity in the market has perhaps served to highlight, more than anywhere else, how short they are, especially when compared to their rivals. Recruitment, scouting and their contract decisions have all been open to criticism after continuous poor decision making.
One of Ratcliffe's main aims has been to improve that area of United, which will be crucial if they are to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. Already that has been evident with the Ineos chief making it clear when he arrived that he would have overall say and sign off on any deal.
In the opening weeks that authority has been evident and offered an insight into how the billionaire, who has enjoyed success in other sports, will run United.
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Backing Ten Hag
Whilst Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford is by no means guaranteed given the sustained level of poor results, for as long as he remains in the hot seat, Ratcliffe is prepared to back him. The Jadon Sancho saga is another modern day situation of player vs manager.
Increasingly the player is winning out, but Ratcliffe has been prepared to back the manager. A social media post earlier this season caused Ten Hag to isolate Sancho, who has not appeared for months, nor is he allowed to train with the first-team.
Erik ten Hag has cast Jadon Sancho aside (Manchester United via Getty Images)Now the player will be moved on as Borussia Dortmund look to bring him back to Germany. That may not be a permanent solution with a loan switch on the cards, but whilst he's not in Manchester it removes that discussion point and proves that Ratcliffe will back the man in the dugout.
Fringe players moved on
Donny van de Beek may well think he never got a fair crack at it whilst in Manchester. Regardless of whether that's true Ratcliffe has seen enough to believe that the versatile Dutchman needs to go elsewhere.
Early in January an exit has been achieved with Van de Beek heading to Frankfurt on loan. Again, finances probably prevented a permanent departure for the Dutchman, who is yet to start a single game this season, but did cost the club £40million.
Donny van de Beek was not getting minutes and was been sent out on loan (PA)There are other players at the club who don't seem to be fancied by Ten Hag, or simply aren't good enough, and it'll be interesting to see whether Ratcliffe employs the same philosophy in moving them on - be that for good or simply to get them regular football.
Eyeing Olise in policy change
It was reported that Ratcliffe wanted to see United, whom he has supported all his life, return to more of an English core. Their success with the Class of 92 is well documented but since then the billionaire has seen United regularly bring in big, foreign names, often on big money.
That has resulted in little success and the billionaire wants to see more English players playing for the club. Whilst foreign imports will be eyed up, there is a genuine effort being made to target homegrown talent. That is underlined by their interest in Michael Olise.
Michael Olise has been a standout throughout his time at Crystal Palace (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)The Hammersmith-born winger has excelled at Crystal Palace, which recently saw him pen a new deal. However that contract did include a release clause which will become live in the summer and make Olise, who scored a stunner against United last term, far more attainable.
Retaining talent
United have seen some big names leave the club for nothing - anyone remember Paul Pogba? Ratcliffe though has been quick to identify who he wants to keep at the club. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has seen an option in his contract triggered which ties him down until 2025.
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The club want to sit down and hold further talks though about keeping him beyond that period as he enjoys a rebirth at right-back, having previously been cast aside and touted with an exit. Wan-Bissaka is also another case of a homegrown player being backed.
Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Martial also have their contracts expiring this summer, but have options for another 12 months. Whether United choose to keep them or not - the former being more likely to stay than the other - will provide yet another clue as to Ratcliffe's approach.
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