Jim Ratcliffe, the gentleman, is optimistic about finalizing a transaction to purchase a small portion of Manchester United within the next two weeks.
The wealthy British individual plans to invest approximately £1.25 billion to obtain a 25% stake in the club and take charge of football operations. It is expected that the agreement will be completed before United’s match against Everton at Goodison Park on November 26th. While reliable sources stated that next week may be too soon for the deal, the following week is considered a feasible timeline.
Ratcliffe, who previously tried to acquire Chelsea, was interested in buying a controlling stake in United from the Glazers but ended up only obtaining a 25% share of the club. Following extensive discussions, those involved in the negotiations are hopeful that they are close to finalizing the deal.
Ratcliffe is likely to enlist the help of Ineos’s sports director, Sir Dave Brailsford, to provide insight on potential changes to the structure of United’s hierarchy. Ratcliffe’s arrival may lead to speculation about the fate of manager Erik ten Hag and football director John Murtough.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar has decided to step back from the takeover negotiations for United, as his £5bn bid did not make much headway. This has opened the door for Ratcliffe’s proposal to buy a minority share. Ratcliffe is the owner of two football clubs, Nice and Lausanne, as well as the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team and a sailing team.
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United currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League and are facing a difficult task to secure a spot in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. This is due to their recent defeat to Copenhagen, which has resulted in them being at the bottom of Group A. On Saturday, they will be playing against Luton at home.
Source: theguardian.com
