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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting recruits Paul Mitchell and Sir Dave Brailsford to prepare for life at Manchester United.
The INEOS chief is expected to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the club after a breakthrough in talks at the weekend.
Ratcliffe is an avowed United fan, despite trying and failing to buy Chelsea before Todd Boehly’s takeover last year.
Sheikh Jassim is no longer in the race to buy United, with the path clear for the 70-year-old.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to appoint Sir Dave Brailsford at Manchester United
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And 90 Minutes says Ratcliffe is already eyeing two appointments at the club.
It has been claimed that the INEOS chief would like to bring in Michel, who has built a reputation as one of the world’s best sporting directors in recent years.
Mitchell impressed for MK Dons and helped Southampton establish themselves in the Premier League during his time at St Mary’s.
The 42-year-old played a key role at Tottenham after arriving in 2014, working closely with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
During his tenure in North London players such as Dele Alli, Son Heung-min and Kieran Trippier were recruited for bargain fees.
And Michel has also had stints with RB Leipzig and Monaco.
As for Brailsford, the 59-year-old is ready to commit to work at United and would be someone Ratcliffe could ‘lean on’.
The two have had a strong working relationship for many years.
Brailsford, who was recently appointed as INEOS’ sporting director, has also been team principal of the firm’s successful cycling team.
Initially, it looked as if Ratcliffe would struggle to compete with Sheikh Jassim and the Qatari assets.
However, by being understanding and refusing to criticize the Glazers, he has worked to move ahead in the race.
Ratcliffe is expected to begin working on football-related matters at United as soon as next week.
However, there is a possibility of delay.
Ratcliffe wanted a guarantee that, by acquiring a 25 percent stake, he would be able to purchase the rest of United at a later date.
If he fails to get the desired assurance, it is possible that he will walk away from the table.
The Glazers will vote on Ratcliffe’s proposal later this week.
All six siblings are set to submit their final decision, with other board directors also to be consulted.
Meanwhile, former United star Gary Neville has listed six ‘non-negotiables’ after news of Ratcliffe’s impending investment broke on Saturday night.
“Last night’s news of Qatar’s withdrawal has brought Manchester United to the brink of minority investment,” he said on X.
“Can it really work and what impact will it have on a struggling organization?
“It is appropriate to set out my non-negotiable points on the takeover of Manchester United that I made a year ago.
“1. A new game project.
“2. A new or redeveloped Old Trafford.
“3. A new training ground.
“4. Complete redevelopment of Manchester United World and the surrounding land to create an amazing fan experience.
latest developments:
Manchester United eye Paul Mitchell as Sir Jim Ratcliffe moves closer to minority stake
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“5. Repay the loan and stop taking dividends until the above task is completed.”
He then added: “6. The club needs leadership that is politician-like on key issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game.
“Leadership that creates a positive environment and culture while adhering to the club’s values and principles and that is prepared to take tough decisions to prevent a deterioration in the club’s public image.
“How can a minority shareholder have a positive influence on the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any influence on the above. This leaves more questions than answers.
“My priority is and always will be to see the Glazer family leave completely. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester, yet are oblivious to this fact.”
