As Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to take charge of football at Old Trafford, he will reportedly seek guidance from Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United. The 65-year-old founder of INEOS is said to be close to sealing a $1.3 billion deal to buy a 25 per cent share in Manchester United from Glazer’s family.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Ratcliffe will seek advice and guidance from Ferguson, aged 81, as he prepares to rebuild the football team. Dougie Freedman’s chances of becoming United’s next sporting director are likely to increase in the face of stiff competition.
Freedman, who now holds a similar position at Selhurst Park, has long been a close friend and supporter of Ferguson, who was a Cheshire neighbour of his before joining Crystal Palace in 2017. Freedman’s astute work at Palace over the past six years has earned him the respect of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
However, Freedman is just one of five people Ratcliffe is considering appointing. Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, former AC Milan pair Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, and Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta are also in the frame for the job, the report claimed.
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Ferguson’s advice would likely have been a popular choice for Ratcliffe, whose offer has been met with criticism because it would keep the hated Glazer family at Old Trafford. Ferguson managed United for 26 years, winning 13 Premier League titles in that time.
Since Ferguson retired in 2013, the immediate aftermath of United’s last top-flight title, the club has been in decline. The former manager, now a director, could now have an important say in how Ratcliffe rebuilds the struggling English champions.
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