Manchester United 'could install feeder club' if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover successful

Sir Jim Ratcliffe could make Ligue 1 side Nice a feeder club for young Manchester United stars if he takes over at Old Trafford, according to a new report.

The British billionaire is among the leading contenders to take over at United from the club's current owners, the Glazer family, having submitted a joint proposal alongside his petrochemicals company INEOS.

He faces staunch competition from Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, through his Nine Two Foundation, who submitted a 'take it or leave it' offer for the club earlier this week.

Ratcliffe's offer is reportedly for a majority stake in the club, which Sky News claim also includes a 'put-and-call' clause that could force the Glazers to sell their remaining shares if one of those options is triggered.

In terms of the new ownership structure at United, both Ratcliffe and INEOS have experience of running a top football club, having taken over Nice in 2019.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Ratcliffe has 'earmarked' a role at United for current Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell should he take over, while former British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford - currently the director of sport at INEOS - could have a part to play at Old Trafford.

A new report, however, has shed light on a potential transfer plan involving United if Ratcliffe becomes the club's new owner.

Ratcliffe 'identifies feeder club'

According to Football Transfers, via sources, Nice could become a feeder club for United in that scenario - by helping to develop future Old Trafford stars.

The French club are interested in appointing ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their new manager, with the English coach's reputation for improving and developing players at Brighton, Swansea and Ostersunds seen as one of the key reasons behind their pursuit.

If Potter is appointed, it would appear to hint at a tweak in transfer policy for Nice.

They have the 11th-youngest first team squad in Ligue 1 (via Transfermarkt), in terms of average age, but have brought in a number of experienced players over recent seasons, including Kasper Schmeichel, Aaron Ramsey and Ross Barkley.

This is offset, however, with the signing of several players under the age of 21, including Italian wonderkid Mattia Viti.

Nice could go in the latter direction more frequently, and Potter's arrival, coupled with potential loan signings from United, could result in the club having one of the youngest squads in the top tier of French football.