Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfer News, UEFA, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester City
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has slammed UEFA after they blocked Manchester United from making a huge summer transfer.
The Oldham-born billionaire is a now a minority owner at Old Trafford and is looking to overhaul the squad this summer after a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.
United were able to secure the FA Cup against local rivals Manchester City but fell to eighth place in the Premier League, while also crashing out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League earlier in the season.
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Despite the lacklustre season, Ratcliffe has made the decision to keep current manager Erik ten Hag at the club following an end-of-season review.
United were reportedly in contact with the likes of Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino but have now opted to keep the Dutch coach in the role for next season.
Attention will now shift to the transfer window and the possible additions Ratcliffe can offer Ten Hag ahead of pre-season. However, one player won't be joining after UEFA blocked United from completing the deal.
United have been long-term admirers of OGC Nice centre back Jean-Clair Todibo but will not be able to sign the player due to Ratcliffe also owning the Ligue 1 club.
UEFA forbid teams from making transfers between the same club that play in the same competition - with both United and Nice set to feature in the Europa League in 2024/25.
The United co-owner has since made his feelings clear on the rules, after speaking to Bloomberg about the decision to deny the possible transfer. “They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can't sell to Manchester United," he said.
“But that's not fair on the player and I don’t see what that achieves.”
Manchester City have been able to contravene the rules to sign Savio on a permanent contract despite his spell with Girona, who will play alongside City in the Champions League next season.
That is because the Brazilian starlet was on loan from parent club Troyes and despite being a fellow City Football Group team, they are not competing in the same competition next season.
Todibo could still be on his way to the Premier League this summer, with Aston Villa also credited with an interest.
