Impending Agreement on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Minority Stake in Man Utd

Sir Jim Ratcliffe Set to Become Minority Shareholder in Manchester United

A deal between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United is expected to be finalized during this month’s international break, potentially as early as next week. Reports suggest that Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group will acquire a 25% stake in the club for approximately £1.25bn.

The Glazer family, who currently own Manchester United, announced their intention to explore selling the club on November 22nd, 2022. Since then, several offers have been made by potential buyers including Ineos and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. However, neither bidder was willing to meet the Glazers’ valuation of around £5bn.

Sheikh Jassim withdrew from the bidding process last month after his final bid did not satisfy the Glazers’ demands. On the other hand, Ratcliffe initially planned on buying a majority stake but eventually reduced it to an anticipated 25%, which increased the likelihood of an agreement.

The specific structure of the deal and any potential dates allowing Ratcliffe to increase his shareholding remain uncertain. It is believed that Ratcliffe will also provide approximately £245m for infrastructure improvements related to the stadium.

Ratcliffe Takes Aim at Football Operations Control

Sources close to Sir Jim Ratcliffe indicate that he has aspirations of assuming control over Manchester United’s football operations side once he becomes a shareholder. His involvement could bring fresh perspectives and ideas on how the club should be managed. The presence of influential figures such as Sir Dave Brailsford – former performance director at British Cycling – suggests extensive changes may be on the horizon.

Confirmation Date Yet To Be Determined

While no official confirmation date has been set, it has been reported that the announcement will not be made on Monday out of respect for Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral. Fans who oppose the Glazers’ continued involvement in the club plan to renew their protests during Saturday’s Premier League game against Luton at Old Trafford.

United Faces Challenges On and Off The Pitch

This potential ownership change comes as Manchester United is struggling on the pitch this season, having lost nine out of seventeen games so far. They currently sit at the bottom of their Champions League group and eighth in the Premier League standings.

The Glazer family acquired Manchester United for £790m back in 2005 but expressed their intention to explore strategic alternatives for the club last November. Ineos already owns other football clubs such as Nice in France and Lausanne in Switzerland, further expanding its sporting portfolio beyond football into sailing and Formula 1.

Ratcliffe’s interest in Manchester United also follows his unsuccessful attempt to purchase Chelsea FC last year. As negotiations progress, it remains uncertain how Ratcliffe’s role will unfold within the club or how he plans to increase his stake over time.