Juventus is interested in recruiting Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. As reported by Tuttosport on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Sancho could be assisted in leaving the Red Devils by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will soon become a minority shareholder in MU.
Sancho has been sidelined from the Manchester United team after a disagreement with manager Erik ten Hag, despite signing a £73 million or IDR 1.41 trillion contract just two years ago.
Juventus has been heavily linked with the 23-year-old forward, and Tuttosport reports that former Juve executive Jean-Claude Blanc—who appears to be appointed as the new CEO of MU—could facilitate Sancho’s move to the Old Lady.
INEOS chemical company chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to be confirmed as the new minority shareholder of MU, and Blanc is one of his most trusted associates—currently overseeing the entire sports portfolio of INEOS.
Blanc played a significant role in rejuvenating Juventus during his five years with the club, maintaining strong ties with the Serie A giants. Blanc had various roles at Juventus, from general manager from 2006-2009, club president (2009-May 2010), to CEO (May 2010-2011).
Juventus has been heavily linked with the 23-year-old forward, and Tuttosport reports that former Juve executive Jean-Claude Blanc—who appears to be appointed as the new CEO of MU—could facilitate Sancho’s move to the Old Lady.
There are new rumors coming from Manchester United. The Premier League giant plans to release Raphael Varane to Bayern Munich in January 2024.
In recent months, Bayern Munich has been rumored to be seeking a new central defender. Some of their central defenders have been sidelined, and Thomas Tuchel needs reinforcements in their defensive line.
Bayern has been linked to several top defenders, and one recent name rumored to be Bayern Munich’s transfer target is Raphael Varane.
Sky Sports Germany reports that Bayern Munich could potentially acquire Varane because Manchester United is willing to part ways with the defender. According to the report, Manchester United is not opposed to parting ways with Varane in the coming winter.
The Red Devils believe that Varane is starting to decline, and his performance is not as stable as in previous years. Additionally, he is prone to injuries. Therefore, Manchester United sees it as better to release him in the winter.
According to the report, Manchester United is ready to part ways with Varane, but they have set several criteria for this transfer. Firstly, Varane cannot be loaned; he must be bought outright because they need the funds to buy his replacement.
The transfer fee is reported to be in the range of 20-30 million Euros. They will not accept offers below that amount. Manchester United has reportedly prepared Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice as Varane’s replacement.
Manchester United has not yet made an official decision regarding the purchase of 25% of the club’s shares by INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, Manchester United fans can at least glimpse the significant influence that the British tycoon will bring to the Red Devils.
Nice manager Francesco Farioli, in a conversation with Telegraph, stated that Ratcliffe is a person who pays attention to everything. Their interactions regularly occur after Farioli was appointed as the manager in June 2023. Ratcliffe is the owner of the French club Nice.
“I met Ratcliffe a few days after I started working (as Nice’s manager) because he is very busy,” Farioli told Telegraph, as quoted from Goal.com. “But from his side, the first time we met, the feeling he transferred to me was truly like that of someone who knows a lot. I felt like I was already known before meeting him. It was a very warm welcome,” added Farioli.
Farioli expressed his happiness in receiving different input and perspectives. However, he emphasized that he still has the freedom to make decisions on the field.
“In other matters, for the medium and long term, there is always an open door. We share opinions and have periodic conversations, day by day or weekly. But also with the club, we conduct monthly reviews of everything with all parties involved—regarding strategy, the present, and also the future,” he said.
“The club’s ambition is big enough with the desire to bring the team back to Europe and consistently be in European competition. That’s the goal, dreaming big,” revealed Francesco Farioli.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently the only investor looking to buy shares of the Red Devils. Previously, the British tycoon competed closely with Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who intended to take control of all Manchester United shares.
Last October, Sheikh Jassim decided to withdraw, while Ratcliffe continued his efforts by submitting a new offer to purchase 25% of Manchester United shares. Although not a majority, Ratcliffe hopes to play a significant role in managing his childhood club.
The confirmation of Ratcliffe’s purchase is expected to be announced shortly before the transition from 2023 to 2024. Ratcliffe plans not only to run the club’s business but also to oversee MU’s sports side and intends to overhaul the club’s management.
Incidentally, the Glazer family will hand over the management of the football department to Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe will make comprehensive improvements to restore the glory of MU.
Some executives considered less capable of managing the Red Devils will be ousted. Ratcliffe has held a virtual meeting with Joel Glazer recently to discuss the management change in the club. Ratcliffe wants new faces to control the football sector at MU.
Several MU executives have already resigned before Ratcliffe officially takes over at Old Trafford. Last week, CEO Richard Arnold chose to resign from MU, ending his 16 years of service with the club. His position is temporarily filled by Patrick Stewart. Ratcliffe is expected to appoint Jean Claude Blanc as CEO once he becomes the owner of MU.
After Arnold, MU’s Director of Football John Murtough is also reported to leave the club. Manchester Evening News received reliable information that Murtough will definitely leave Old Trafford; it’s just a matter of time.
Murtough has been working at MU since January 2014, initially leading football development at MU. In March 2021, the 52-year-old was promoted to Director of Football following the departure of Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward.
There is good news for Manchester United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reported to be ready to make a comeback in the match against Everton.
As previously known, the Premier League will resume after the international break, and Manchester United has an away match this week.
They will visit Merseyside, challenging Everton at Goodison Park.
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United will get additional strength before this match. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to play in this game.
Wan-Bissaka was absent from the Manchester United squad before the last international break.
He did not play when MU faced Luton Town at Old Trafford. At that time, he was reported to have a health problem that prevented him from playing.
The problem was reported not to be serious, so Wan-Bissaka could quickly return to play for Manchester United.
According to the report, Wan-Bissaka is currently in good condition. He is said to have recovered from his illness and has trained fully with the MU first team.
So, he is reported to be ready to play with United this weekend.
Wan-Bissaka is not the only MU player who will make a comeback at Goodison Park.
Another wing-back, Luke Shaw, is also reported to be fit and ready to play against The Toffees.
