United View: United remain unbeaten and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed 25% ownership

Whilst the men’s team were away on international duty, the women’s team were back in action in the WSL.

Marc Skinner’s side remain unbeaten following their 1-1 draw with Leicester on Sunday, although it is their third successive draw in all competitions.

It was a big week for the Reds, on Tuesday the team competed in its first-ever Champions League match against PSG. The game also finished 1-1 with new signing Melvine Malard scoring the only goal for United.

After such a huge occasion, perhaps Skinner’s side lost focus against Leicester. Despite dominating much of the proceedings with the home side mustering up 20 shots compared to Leicester’s four, United was only able to come away with a point.

After a goalless first half, Leicester then made United pay with a goal against the run of play. Aileen Whelan was left unmarked from a free kick and produced a cool finish to beat Mary Earps.

It only took Skinner’s side less than ten minutes to respond, Maya Le Tissier meeting Katie Zelem’s corner with a glancing header. With over twenty minutes remaining, the momentum was with United.

However, much like in the first half, the Reds were unable to find a breakthrough. Last season, United produced many last-minute winners but there was no such luck on Sunday. Nikita Paris came closest to finding a winner but her header from Zelem’s free kick lacked enough power.

That result leaves United sixth in the league table and whilst they remain one of only four to remain unbeaten in the WSL – including Leicester, Skinner and his side will know that they should arguably be on a 100% record.

After last week’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, with the North London side scoring in the third minute of stoppage time, another draw will be a less-than-favourable result.

Another negative from the match was the injury suffered by Gabby George. The club have confirmed George - who was only signed in the summer from Everton – has damaged her ACL and will miss a lengthy amount of time.

In other news, there has finally been a breakthrough in the takeover of Manchester United. It was revealed last Saturday that Sheikh Jassim and the 92 Foundation would be withdrawing from the process.

This has opened the door for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to emerge as the front-runner as he looks to buy around 25% of the club now and eventually seize 100% in the future.

At the time of writing a full decision has yet to be reached. A vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday, there is a 12-person board that will decide on the proposed takeover. Although ultimately it will be the Glazers who have the final say on the decision.

As part of acquiring 25% of the club, Ratcliffe is reported to want immediate control of sporting decisions at Manchester United. This will put many in the hierarchy at risk of being removed from their roles.

One name that has surfaced is Paul Mitchell, former head of recruitment at Southampton and Spurs. Mitchell brought in players such as Dele Ali, Son Heung-Min and Kieran Trippier. After leaving Monaco as their Sporting Director, the Stalybridge-born recruitment specialist could be a part of Sir Jim’s plans.

It’s been almost a year since the Glazers announced their interest in selling Manchester United and after little communication being given to the fans regarding the process, at last, there may finally be a resolution to the uncertainty.

Whilst it isn’t the full sale that many fans had hoped, time will only tell if the Glazers will finally be gone from Old Trafford, but as previously mentioned, it’s their decision at the end of the day.