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Back in February 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal of £1.25 billion for 27.7% of Manchester United was completed. This saw the Glazer’s ownership of the Premier League club reduce to being a majority stake, however Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group took control of football operation.
The Manchester-born businessman saw the completion of the deal as the beginning of the club’s new journey in taking United back to the top of English, European and world football.
Since taking charge of the football operations at the club, a number of other changes have already begun to take place, with Omar Berrada incoming as the new chief executive of the club, and Dan Ashworth being appointed as the new sporting director, subject to negotiations with Newcastle on his early release.
In recent weeks, Erik ten Hag’s future has also been up in the air with a four-man shortlist being drawn up by Ratcliffe as potential replacements for the Dutchman which originally consisted of Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino. With McKenna having committed to a new long-term deal at Ipswich Town, and Roberto de Zerbi being added to the list, it’s believed that the management situation will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
However, turning to the pitch, Sir Jim has been reported to have identified the di injury record experienced by the Red Devils throughout the previous season as a critical area which needs to be addressed.
The Guardian have reported that Ratcliffe and his second in command, Sir Dae Brailsford are determined to strengthen the squad through this transfer window, with an awareness that great players cant benefit the club and deliver on the pitch if they are routinely not available through injury.
This season, United experienced a total of 60 injuries with a collective 233 games missed through injury.
United certainly felt the pressure from injuries in their defence with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia all ruled out at various stages of the season.
On top of this, players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have also been ruled out at various times, with Mount missing the vast amount of his first season at Old Trafford.
To support with these concerns, Brailsford who has taken the role of director of sports at Ineos, is prioritising an improvement of the medical department’s performance alongside Gary O’Driscoll, the head of sports medicine. This focus is no doubt to support players dealing with and recovering from injuries to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
