Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly laid out five rules for Erik ten Hag or a new head coach to follow at Manchester United as he looks to guide the club in a new direction.
Despite pulling off an against-the-odds victory over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final over the weekend, there is still uncertainty around whether Ten Hag will keep his place at the club next season.
It was widely reported that the Red Devils hierarchy were set to part ways with the Dutchman after the FA Cup, following a poor league season and an early exit from the Champions League.
Among the high-profile names that have emerged in recent weeks as potential successors for Ten Hag are Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino.
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Ratcliffe's five new rules for Man United manager
According to The Sun, whoever is in charge next season will need to adhere to five strict rules established by Ratcliffe, which he and the club's chiefs believe will take the club forward.
The report adds that the first of these stipulations is a modification to the recruitment framework, mandating at least five players aged 25 or younger are brought into the team.
This directive aims to inject more energy into the squad and reduce the lacklustre performance seen throughout the 2023-24 season.
It is also understood that the British billionaire is keen to uncover hidden gems who will shine for United in the future rather than spending lavishly on 'proven big names.'
Approximately £1.5bn has been spent on signings over the 11 years following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, and several big-money moves, such as Antony, Jadon Sancho, Angel di Maria and Romelu Lukaku, have failed to live up to expectations.
Another ruling made by Ratcliffe is that the United board will present the manager with a shortlist of three players to choose from. This decision follows the guideline the manager will not suggest specific players to sign but instead identify areas for improvement within the squad.
The last regulation that the INEOS chief is expected to insist upon is not related to transfers. Instead, it involves the team's style of play, which is expected to be formulated by Jason Wilcox, the club's new technical director, rather than by the manager.
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Man United manager situation still uncertain
United are currently conducting an end-of-season review before making a decision on Ten Hag, who Sir Dave Brailsford and Wilcox have monitored closely in recent months.
Should United opt to part ways with the Dutchman, it will be interesting to see who they are able to secure to take on the role, given most experienced managers might be more adamant about conducting business according to their own terms.
Brailsford, who is a trusted ally of Ratcliffe, is spearheading Man United's summer transfer plans amid the delayed arrival of two crucial executives.
The club is still awaiting the arrival of incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director-in-waiting Dan Ashworth.
Devesh Jaganath
