When conversations about the modern sports journalist surface, many people bite their tongue regarding the quality of Manchester United’s content and its authenticity in 2024.
However, one man is recognised universally as a beacon of light in an otherwise disappointing sector – that is, of course, Henry Winter.
A multiple-time award winner across Specialist Correspondent and Writer of the Year categories, the former Chief Football Writer for The Times knows a thing – or two – about the beautiful game.
The Theatre of Red was honoured to welcome Henry as the latest guest on our official podcast to discuss the never-ending drama at Old Trafford.
We touched upon multiple topics, from end-of-season reviews to the future of Erik ten Hag and more. You can listen back in full here and read a select section of critical issues below.
End-of-season review
The club is undergoing a widely-publicised review, with various topics under assessment and the managerial situation a complete unknown.
Supporters and media are struggling to gain any form of clarification on the short-term future, with daily hit-pieces offering an inevitable contradiction towards their rivals.
I asked Henry how he felt about the proceedings and highlighted the frustrations shared by the millions of Reds around the globe.
“This idea of an end-of-season review [I mean] elite organisations like Manchester United, like Ineos, have constant reviews,” he said.
“Whether it is a sort of sit down. Whether it’s a zoom. Whether it’s just an appraisal – running through Jim Ratcliffe’s and Dave Brailsford’s mind. They will always be looking for the pursuit of excellence.
“You don’t have marginal gains just in late May and early June – you focus on it throughout the year and how you can improve every day you get up.
“That’s just the way these elite organisations and individuals work.”
The Ineos best-in-class backroom team
Following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos powerhouse in February 2024, the British billionaire acquired 27.7% ownership of the club.
He immediately set about installing a superteam of backroom officials alongside Brailsford, with Jean-Claude Blanc (interim CEO), Omar Berrada (CEO – gardening leave) and Jason Wilcox (technical director) all high-profile arrivals.
Their pursuit of the highly coveted Dan Ashworth as a new sporting director has dragged on because of a dispute with Newcastle United about a remuneration package – but this appears to be approaching the finishing line.
Ashworth is viewed as the essential cog to spearhead the Ineos vision for the 20-time champions and received special praise from Henry when highlighting the plans of the hierarchy.
“[The end-of-season-review] It will obviously accelerate when Dan Asworth – who is a brilliant appointment – eventually arrives from his very well-tended garden,” he continued.
“He will have this laser focus for this organisation – this meticulous approach – and that is really what Manchester United need.
“They have needed more direction on the football side because the Glazers have just been so shamefully hands-off.”
Training facilities
It is common knowledge that the Glazer ownership has resulted in a perennial decline, deteriorating facilities, and a lack of attention from the off.
When focusing on infrastructure, there has been much conversation about the structures for playing staff compared to rival outfits.
The topic was a notable issue for Henry during our conversation, and one that he highlighted required significant attention.
“I went to see Ten Hag a year ago, and he showed me around bits of it,” said the 61-year-old.
“You could just see that it wasn’t [really] the cliff level, but it hadn’t been updated much, you know, in all the time I have been going there to interview people.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was right when he did his piece with Piers. Some of the things he shouldn’t have said, but – the criticism he made about the training ground was right.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground today – magnificent, Manchester City’s – NASA level, Arsenals – yeah, Arsenal’s is good.
“Leicester City have got a better training ground than Manchester United – that should not be the way of things.”
The managerial situation
Front and centre in the daily media machine is the future of Ten Hag.
From reports suggesting the Dutchman would be sacked following the FA Cup final – regardless of the outcome – to those stating the result has changed opinion, there is little we haven’t read.
Henry does not have a crystal ball, and his opinion is just that, but he shares a similar viewpoint to everybody at the Theatre of Red.
“There are certain things that he needs to tweak, but he is a good manager,” he stated about the Old Trafford chief.
“If he leaves Manchester United, he will go on and win trophies elsewhere – I am sure of it.
“Personally, I hope he stays because he is a decent man who cares. He works really hard.
“Constant turnover of managers – has that really worked since Sir Alex has left – I don’t think so.”
Marcus Rashford
A notable omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad was Marcus Rashford.
The attacker – fresh off the back of a frustrating season with a lack of consistency – is again the subject of a reported move away from Old Trafford.
Henry knows the player and is confident that a summer to recharge his batteries will do him the world of good.
“The thing about Rashford, as you say, there is a slightly introverted character there. He has dealt with a couple of close bereavements over the last year or so, which have distracted him.”
“He clearly needs to refocus – whether tracking back on the pitch or making sure that he is 100% dedicated and focused off the field.
“But there is still a good player there. What is he 26/27 – you know, you can’t write him off. You look at Luka Modric – he is just about to get another year’s contract at Real Madrid at 38.
“So look, there is life in Rashford yet.”
This exclusive interview touched on several other topics, from Kobbie Mainoo to Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes.
Insightful, generous with time and information and a beacon of footballing knowledge – Henry Winter never fails to deliver.
Let us know who you would like to hear on the Theatre of Red Podcast in future in the comments below.
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