While Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani lost the 2023 battle to buy Manchester United, a central pillar of his proposed blueprint for the club is now being implemented at Old Trafford.
The Qataris' Unrealised Plan Takes Hold
During the high-stakes takeover contest, which was ultimately won by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, reports indicated Sheikh Jassim wanted to place former Manchester United players in "prominent roles" throughout the club's hierarchy. His belief was that the club suffered from a lack of iconic figures in decision-making positions, depriving it of vital experience and institutional knowledge.
Despite Ratcliffe securing a 25 per cent stake in 2023, later increased to 28.9 per cent in 2024, and taking control of football operations, this specific idea has gained significant traction. Over the past year, Ratcliffe has increasingly turned to ex-players to fill crucial gaps, a strategy thrown into sharp relief by the recent managerial turmoil.
Familiar Faces Answer United's Call
The trend began last season following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. His compatriot and assistant, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, stepped in as interim head coach. This approach has continued at pace this week after the exit of Ruben Amorim.
Amorim was dismissed on Monday, 6th January 2026, following a tense reaction to United's 0-0 draw with Leeds. His 14-month reign was deeply disappointing, with a win rate of just 38 per cent – the lowest for a permanent boss since Frank O'Farrell in the early 1970s. He also oversaw a 15th-place Premier League finish last term and a defeat in the Europa League final.
In the immediate aftermath, Under-18s manager Darren Fletcher has taken temporary charge of the first team. He has been joined on the coaching staff by former team-mate Jonny Evans, who recently held the role of head of loans and pathways.
Solskjaer and Carrick in Frame for Interim Role
Looking beyond the current stopgap, Ratcliffe is delving further into the club's past for short-term solutions. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who managed United from 2018 to 2021, is now in discussions about a potential interim return to the dugout. Former midfield stalwart Michael Carrick is also under consideration for the role.
This period of transition, guided by familiar faces, could reshape United's immediate future. Despite the difficulties under Amorim, the squad is in a reasonably solid state, sitting sixth in the table and just three points off the top four at the time of writing.
The club's pivot towards its former stars suggests that, even in absence, one of Sheikh Jassim's core philosophies is now actively shaping the strategy at Manchester United.
