Manchester United report: Sir Jim Ratcliffe in huge U-turn to grant surprising new contract

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks during a media event to unveil the company's "Ineos Fusilier" outside the Grenadier public House in London on February 23, 2024. Manchester United new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Friday his Ineos group's latest 4x4 electric vehicle, while calling on governments to understand the limitations of climate-friendly vehicles.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ringing in the changes at Old Trafford (Image credit: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stepped in to ensure that a new contract is rewarded.

The Red Devils are in the midst of an overhaul, with the incoming INEOS chief looking to bring in his own staff over the coming weeks. A huge transfer window is expected, too, with Manchester United's tired squad needing serious work in the summer. 

While there may be plenty of departures this summer, there may be surprises for who stays – including manager Erik ten Hag who is linked with an exit. 

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, looks on after the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's future is still in the balance (Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

According to the Star, Ratcliffe is set to keep Scott McTominay at the club, offering the Scotland international a new contract. 

McTominay was expected by many to leave, with West Ham United coming close to signing him last summer. His contract expires in 2025, though United hold an option to extend his contract by a further year. 

With nine goals in all competitions this season, plus a further seven in Euro 2024 qualifiers, extending McTominay's current deal makes sense – even if the plan is to sell him next summer.

Scott McTominay celebrates his late double for Manchester United against Brentford in October 2023.

Scott McTominay could be extending his stay at United (Image credit: Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's view, McTominay will almost certainly stay beyond this summer, should he want to – given that he's been one of the better squad players this season. Fans, too, would no doubt welcome an academy graduate remaining at the club.

The 27-year-old is valued at €32 million by Transfermarkt

More Manchester United stories

How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defied 'mission impossible' to land the Manchester United job

Manchester United's 100,000-capacity Old Trafford imagined in new images, as 'Wembley of the North' is brought to life

Manchester United legend: Gareth Southgate could well be the next Red Devils manager

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

Read more
Manchester United's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to axe another 100 jobs
Manchester United report: New details revealed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans extreme cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is continuing to show his ruthless side at Manchester United
Manchester United given huge indicator over club takeover amid latest INEOS announcement
Manchester United's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping to satisfy UEFA rulings.
Manchester United staff threatened with sacking for leaked information... in a leaked email
Manchester United's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to axe another 100 jobs
Manchester United to hire Paris Saint-Germain man in bid to fix chaos behind the scenes: report
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Manchester United
'I can’t think of ANYTHING positive that INEOS have done for Manchester United: they're not doing anything for the fans. Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up?' - Manchester United legend takes aim at ownership in damning rant
Manchester United's squad needs work this summer
Manchester United tipped for surprise free signing by transfer expert, with summer movement dependent on 'variables': report
Latest in Stories
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed