Manchester United fans have long been demanding a change in ownership. Last month, the present owner the Glazers family rejected a 5 billion bid from Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim to take over the club. With the Qatari billionaire withdrawing from the process, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now the only remaining bidder.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will gain full control of club operations upon acquiring the agreed 25% stake in the club. He intends to work closely on the squad revamp with Manager Eric ten Hag, and there are indications that Ratcliffe wants to bring Dougie Freedman into the club’s management.
Dougie Freedman under Man United radar
Manchester United’s recent 1-0 victory over newly promoted Luton Town has elevated them to 6th place after a series of defeats in the Premier League and Carabao Cup eliminations. The Red Devils’ fans finally enjoyed a narrow win on Saturday amid a chaotic season.
The INEOS Group owner and CEO, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s much-anticipated 25% stake share in Manchester United ownership is expected to be announced in the coming weeks during the international break. The British billionaire has been committed to putting an end to the current transfer policy at Old Trafford.
The Premier League giants have spent over a billion on player transfers over the past few seasons, but these expenditures have significantly failed to deliver results on the pitch. Additionally, the escalating costs of players’ wages are a major concern for Manchester United, raising questions about the club’s operations department.
Reportedly, the new consortium led by Jim Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford, along with their team handling club operations, has prepared a potential list of candidates for the role of new sporting directors. Dougie Freedman’s name is at the top of the said list.
Freedman is currently serving as the Sporting Director at Crystal Palace. His impressive work at the club has caught the eyes of Ratcliffe and the team. The new plan involves replacing the current Sporting Director John Murtough and Director Darren Fletcher.
Reviewing Freedman’s portfolio
The former Scottish international player-turned-manager Dougie Freedman previously managed Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace as head coach. He is currently working at Selhurst Park Stadium in London as their sporting director since 2017.
The Palace boss, Roy Hodgson, had himself praised the 49-year-old Scottish sporting director’s recruitment policy.
Dougie Freedman’s strategy of bringing in lesser-known names from the Championships and other lower-tier leagues has proven monumental in the club’s stay in the Premier League. Freedman has successfully recruited players like Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise while overseeing club operations.
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