Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at the Allianz Riviera watching Manchester United linked defender. Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, acquired 25% of Manchester United’ stake in late December of 2023.
Ratcliffe and INEOS are the owners of French Club OGC Nice. The Britisher is currently in-charge of overseeing sporting operations including transfers and recruitment at the Old Trafford.
Manchester United have had a season to forget. Injuries plagued The Red Devils throughout the season. United have had a staggering 65 separate cases of injury/illness this season! United and Ratcliffe will be seeking replacements.
The Red Devils are considering to make a move for Jean-Clair Todibo. The 24-year old French International is known for his confidence and composure on the ball.
Why Todibo for United?
United’s defensive problems have been for all to see this campaign. To the point that Erik Ten Hag had no defender available to play in the starting XI due to injuries. Even when fit, United’s defense is no joy to watch either. The Red Devils have conceded 58 goals in the league this season having a goal difference of -3!
Harry Maguire has put in good shifts for England. However, Maguire hasn’t lived up to his lofty standards at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof is a good player but not world class. He can be a key player on the bench for United.
Raphael Varane has already confirmed that he will be leaving as a free agent at the end of the season. His stint at United was sadly an unimpressive one. Lisandro Martinez is injury-prone. The Argentinian’s unavailability is slowly overshadowing his game levels. Erik Ten Hag had to play Casemiro and Amrabat as his center-backs in the previous games. Moreover, Casemiro could be leaving Manchester United with offers from Saudi on the table for the Brazilian.
The Red Devils have identified Jean-Clair Todibo as a key defensive option. The French International is young and could be a key addition to Manchester United.
Ratcliffe could be key in Manchester United signing Todibo!
Jim Ratcliffe will definitely be using his influence to make things go the way of Manchester United. Ratcliffe was seen meeting OGC Nice’s President Jean-Pierre Riviere after Nice’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of PSG. Additionally, Todibo started the game and played the entire 90 against PSG. Therefore, giving a chance to Ratcliffe to witness the French International in action.
Todibo stated earlier this year:
“Football moves quickly, you never know what’s going to happen. I’ll wait until the summer to make my decision.”
Manchester United will be hoping that the Frenchman makes a decision in their favor since Todibo’s inclusion in the squad will strengthen United’s defense.
What’s next for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United?
Despite a poor season, United have made it the FA Cup finals against Manchester City setting up a Manchester derby in a 2nd consecutive year. However, The Red Devils’ hopes for European Qualification will be dangling by a thread. Especially, since United sit at 8th on the league table behind Newcastle. Now, United can qualify for Europa Conference League if they beat Brighton on the final day and should Newcastle drop points.
Moreover, The Red Devils can do one better if they beat City in the FA Cup final and directly qualify for the Europa League. While United can do their part for a Conference League spot, it still wouldn’t guarantee them a place if Newcastle don’t falter. And, beating City isn’t going to be easy.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe’s OGC Nice has already qualified for the Europa Conference League after a defeat to PSG made Europa league qualifying fourth place out of reach for them. United could also see a change in Manager as Erik Ten Hag’s side could be finishing at the worst place in the league in Manchester United’s History!
The Red Devils will be hoping to get back on track and hopefully get Todibo on board for the next season.
As featured on ManUNews.com
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
