Man Utd staff put Ratcliffe in awkward position after Ten Hag left ‘worried’

Ten Hag details meeting with Ratcliffe amid Man Utd bid

Manchester United staff have reportedly recently scouted Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo. And, should they choose to press ahead with a deal for the 23-year-old, that would put Sir Jim Ratcliffe in an awkward position. The British billionaire is hoping to buy the Red Devils – but could be forced to turn to another club he owns in order to please Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United – along with rivals Liverpool and Newcastle – were present to watch Tobido for Nice in the Ligue 1 side’s 2-1 win over Rennes on Saturday.

The defender played the entirety of the contest, shining as his side claimed all three points.

But if United scouts opt to urge Ten Hag to sign the Nice star, then it could give Ratcliffe a headache.

The British billionaire is believed to be the frontrunner to acquire the club, at a time when Sheikh Jassim is also showing interest.

Yet given Ratcliffe already co-owns Nice, it would mean the 70-year-old having to conduct a raid on one of his other assets.

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Manager Ten Hag is worried about reinforcing the squad this summer, with the takeover process dragging on behind the scenes.

United have already lost ground in the race to sign Jude Bellingham, who had been on their radar, with the England international primed to join Real Madrid instead.

The Mirror recently said Ten Hag was ‘concerned that what should be a positive moment for the club could be derailed by the uncertainty caused by the club’s sale.’

United are hoping to strengthen in midfield, despite missing out on Bellingham, with Ryan Gravenberch and Eduardo Camavinga both linked.

And that’s not the only area of their squad Ten Hag is hoping to reinforce as he eyes a crack at the Premier League title next season.

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United want a new right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong being linked amid the inconsistency of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

A new goalkeeper wouldn’t go amiss either, despite David De Gea being close to agreeing a new contract with the club.

And United also want a forward, too, with the Red Devils yet to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with a world-class No 9 since the veteran’s exit back in November.

Ten Hag would love to land Harry Kane, who has continued to shine for Tottenham despite yet another problematic season in north London.

Landing the England international will be tricky, though, with Spurs chief Daniel Levy poised to play hardball in negotiations.

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Victor Osimhen is a back-up target for the club, having propelled Napoli to Serie A glory this season.

And United have been put forward as potential suitors for Kylian Mbappe, too, while Neymar has also been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Nice boss Didier Digard has insisted he has no concerns about United potentially being owned by Ratcliffe – saying he wishes the 70-year-old well in his quest to oust the Glazers.

“No, very sincerely,” he stated when quizzed if he harboured any worries about the process.

“For me, Manchester United is something else. I don’t think we’re dependent on that at all.

“The boss has made such an investment in Nice that, sincerely, if he can give himself the gift of Manchester United, I would be happy for him because we know that it is something that is close to his heart.

“Above all else we know that he won’t disengage from OGC Nice.

“So, for us, that won’t change anything. I can guarantee to you that people are giving 100 per cent to make this club grow.”

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