These are your Manchester United evening headlines on Friday, January 5
Manchester United head into this weekend preparing for their return to the FA Cup when they make the short journey to League One’s Wigan Athletic.
Sir Dave Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe meet Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund
United’s first half of the campaign could not have gone much worse. Out of the Champions League, Carabao Cup and nine points outside the top four, the pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag is considerable.
However, there is room for optimism following the announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford on Christmas Eve. While he awaits Premier League ratification, the INEOS founder has wasted little time getting down to business. Take a look at that and more below.
Ratcliffe visits Carrington
United have published photographs from Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford’s visit to the club’s Carrington training complex this week.
Ratcliffe arrived in Manchester on Tuesday to meet players and staff as part of an introductory process while the Ineos Group await regulatory approval to acquire a 25% stake in United.
INEOS will take control of football operations at United and sporting director Brailsford accompanied Ratcliffe as they met United manager Erik ten Hag and women’s manager Marc Skinner, as well as players from both squads.
Anthony Martial is still expected to leave United and Raphael Varane is not guaranteed to be offered a new contract by the club.
Ten Hag’s proclamation that United “are talking with Rapha Varane, with Anthony Martial”, who are both out of contract in June, prompted one broadcaster to run a segment expressing surprise that the 28-year-old striker could be in line for a new contract.
