Ratcliffe is still learning about football ownership says Silvestre

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre to discuss the state of the Manchester United ownership. The situation has been up in the air since reports started to emerge about Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning to take over 25%, with United seeming to be in turmoil on and off the pitch.

In this article:

• Ratcliffe has operated in a tough French market
• INEOS are still learning about football
• Silvestre coy on state of United ownership
• Casemiro will prove his value
• Manchester United’s struggling stars signings

Ratcliffe has operated in a tough French market

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, is reportedly on the verge of acquiring a 25% minority stake in Manchester United, one of the most storied football clubs in the world. If rumours are to be believed, Ratcliffe is not just content with a financial stake; he aims to exert influence over the footballing operations at the club.

Manchester United, with its rich history and global fan base, is currently facing challenges both on and off the field. Performances have been inconsistent, sparking concerns among supporters about the club’s direction and competitiveness. Off the pitch, tensions have heightened. The Glazer family, the majority owners of the club, are under increased scrutiny. Long-standing fans and supporters’ groups have been vocal in their criticism, demanding a change in ownership due to perceived mismanagement and lack of genuine care for the club’s traditions.

Mikael Silvestre, a former player and keen observer of the club’s dynamics, has expressed confusion regarding the potential ownership structure. The introduction of Ratcliffe as a significant minority shareholder raises questions: How will power and decision-making be distributed? Will Ratcliffe’s vision align with the Glazers’? How will this new partnership, if it materialises, affect the day-to-day operations and long-term strategy of the club?

“Well, it’s not official. It’s not done yet. If it’s the direction that it is heading, when you’re the minority shareholder, it is difficult to understand the dynamic.”

“Look, Nice, this season, they’re doing well. They’ve had some tough times but when you’re new to a sport and it’s a sport and business at the highest level. France is a complicated market because you have a lot of financial restrictions so even though you are the richest Englishman, you can’t just buy whoever you want. The Financial Fair Play is very constricting.”

“Nice didn’t splash the cash like crazy. They were steady and tried to improve the situation.”

INEOS are still learning

Manchester United are grappling with the fallout from a recent 3-0 defeat to their local adversaries, Manchester City, adding to the sense of unease surrounding the club. As discussions about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential involvement with United continue, it’s worth noting his tenure with French side Nice.

Since the INEOS group, led by Ratcliffe, took over Nice, the club has experienced a rollercoaster of performances, finishing in varied positions such as fifth and ninth in Ligue 1. These fluctuations have raised eyebrows, questioning INEOS’ capabilities in football management. However, this season, Nice currently occupy the top spot in Ligue 1, showcasing a remarkable upturn in form.

Silvestre, familiar with the intricacies of the football world, has taken note of Nice’s impressive standing in the league. While he recognizes the achievements of the INEOS group with Nice this season, he also highlights that they are relatively new to football ownership and management. Silvestre suggests that the INEOS group is on a learning curve, understanding the nuances of running a football club. As discussions about their involvement with Manchester United evolve, stakeholders will be keen to see how the experiences at Nice could influence strategies and decisions at Old Trafford.

“When you have clubs like Lyon, Bordeaux, St. Etienne, who are monsters in the history of French football. Bordeaux is down, St. Etienne is down and Lyon are last in the table.”

“So if you look at this perspective, they’ve done okay at Nice.”

“But yeah they’re still learning about this specific sport. They’ve got experience in other domains and you can transfer that knowledge but football is a different beast.”

“Coming from France to Manchester United, everything is different. From the history of the club to the magnitude, the status and the expectations.”

“There will be a learning process because if you’re thrown at the deep end like this, it’s extremely challenging.”

Silvestre coy on state of United ownership

There’s a section of the United fanbase that were eager for the Qatari to win the battle of the United ownership yet Silvestre remains dubious on either of the two vying. He argues without knowing their long term plan it’s hard to favour one over the other.

“If it’s Jim Ratcliffe or if it’s Qatari ownership, you cannot judge because you don’t know the plan. They were just financial discussions. You don’t know who would be in charge on a daily basis to plan ahead for three years, five years.”

“Unless you know deep down the plan, the objectives and the people who are running the club, you can’t judge.”

Casemiro will prove his value

Recent reports in the media suggest that Casemiro is allegedly regretting his move to Manchester United. The Brazilian played a vital role in steering United to a top 4 finish and Carabao Cup glory but has struggled to replicate the form that had made him a fan favourite last season. Has the drop off in form been overstated? According to Silvestre the high standards Casemiro has set for himself is now starting to count against him.

“I don’t think Casemiro regrets his move to Manchester United. Not at all. I think he shouldn’t have any regrets.”

“The form comes and goes. I don’t think he’s having a terrible time either. It’s just that because his standard is so high, one drop in performance and we think it’s a disaster.”

“He’ll show his worth. He’s got so much character and experience that he will manoeuvre this situation easily.”

Manchester United’s Struggling Stars Signings

Jadon Sancho is one of a number of talented footballers that have failed to live up to expectations. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba are one of many to have struggled to show the form they had displayed prior to joining United. Sancho has now been exiled from the United first team squad for almost two months and looks set for an exit in the January window. Silvestre, who had harboured hopes of Sancho displaying his Dortmund form this season believes hard work is always the solution to overcoming difficult footballing periods.

“Every player has their own story and background. I don’t think we should generalise these players and their situations.”

“We know United are a big club and it should be easy to adapt because it’s a family atmosphere.”

“But there is pressure because fans expect you to deliver every single game. If you put your head down and work you’ll get your reward at some point.”

Some have suggested that Sancho should apologise to ten Hag if he truly wants to forge and salvage his Manchester United career. However, it appears an unlikely situation and the argument could be made that Sancho is seeking an easy way out of a difficult scenario.

“Sometimes it’s easy to look for a way out and move away from the club so it depends on your character, your entourage and the advice you’re being given.”

“Football is a short career so you have to make the right decisions for yourself, your family.”

“Maybe it was best for these players to move on.”

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