{"id":292849,"date":"2023-10-24T07:09:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T07:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=292849"},"modified":"2023-10-24T07:09:19","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T07:09:19","slug":"jim-ratcliffe-plans-a-mess-as-mitchell-van-der-gaag-makes-man-utd-exit-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/soccer\/jim-ratcliffe-plans-a-mess-as-mitchell-van-der-gaag-makes-man-utd-exit-call\/","title":{"rendered":"Jim Ratcliffe plans a ‘mess’ as Mitchell van der Gaag makes Man Utd exit call"},"content":{"rendered":"

Casemiro returns to Man Utd training ahead of Copenhagen clash<\/h3>\n

Manchester United return to Champions League action on Tuesday night with a must-win clash with FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side ultimately need three points to keep their fading hopes of progression into the knockout stages alive, having tasted defeat in their opening two Group A outings.<\/p>\n

But there is plenty going on in the background, as ever, with much to be resolved on and off the pitch amid a turbulent start to the campaign.<\/p>\n

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are closing in on a \u00a31.4billion deal to buy 25 per cent of United from the Glazer family.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Ten Hag faces the catastrophic risk of losing his right-hand man, Mitchell van der Gaag, to Louis van Gaal and Ajax.<\/p>\n

The Dutchman is also welcoming back some key names to contention as he looks to build on back-to-back Premier League wins in Europe.<\/p>\n

United are bound to already have one eye on Sunday’s blockbuster derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford, with Sir Bobby Charlton set to be remembered at both games this week.<\/p>\n

Express Sport provides all the latest news and views from Old Trafford…<\/p>\n

FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES…<\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Erik ten Hag can profit from bold Ralf Rangnick vision under Sir Jim Ratcliffe[COMMENT] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Van der Gaag set to stay<\/h3>\n

Mitchell van der Gaag is reportedly set to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Ajax over the vacant managerial role.<\/p>\n

According to the Mirror, Erik ten Hag’s No 2 has assured United he has no interest in ditching the project to return to the Amsterdam giants.<\/p>\n

Ex-Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, back at Ajax as an advisor, has rallied for Van der Gaag’s appointment.<\/p>\n

But he has snubbed Ajax and stayed loyal to the Old Trafford outfit.<\/p>\n

Sir Jim Ratcliffe blasted<\/h3>\n

Richard Keys has blasted Sir Jim Ratcliffe for his \u00a31.4billion deal to buy 25 per cent of Manchester United.<\/p>\n

The former Sky Sports presenter isn’t convinced Sir Jim is a serious bidder, slamming his reported financial support from Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan amid United’s soaring debt.<\/p>\n

“What\u2019s the reason for the takeover delay Sunny Jim? What a mess,” Keys wrote on his blog.<\/p>\n

“Are we convinced that Ratcliffe\u2019s bid for Utd will ever actually happen? Does he really think that Utd fans will tolerate the Glazers staying firmly in control of the club despite his potential investment?<\/p>\n

“And I read that he\u2019s actually borrowing money to make it happen – using loans from Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, according to Nick Harris in The Mail on Sunday. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.”<\/p>\n

Morning!<\/h3>\n

Good morning!<\/p>\n

It’s matchday at Old Trafford as Manchester United host FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned on Express Sport for all the build-up and latest news.<\/p>\n