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

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Manchester United are to make a big U-turn, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe stepping in to ensure business is done

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. 

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Mark White
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.