Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given Manchester United supporters reason to dream. The billionaire has declared intention to buy into the club.
A spokesperson for Ratcliffe’s company Ineos told The Times: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
“If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.”
Ratcliffe was born in Greater Manchester and has paid attention to the club’s recent fortunes, from afar. He is based in Monaco and owns French side Nice.
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Ratcliffe criticised Manchester United deal
Ratcliffe was quoted by The Mirror in 2019, criticising Manchester United’s plight since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
He hit out at the constant managerial changes, and suggested he did not want to throw bad money away.
Ratcliffe also picked out the £47 million move for Fred as an example of bad transfer strategy.
He said: “They are in quite a big pickle as a business.
“[Ineos] never wants to be the dumb money in town, never, never… they haven’t got the manager selection right, haven’t bought well.
“They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred.”
While Fred has restored his reputation a little over the past couple of seasons, when Ratcliffe was speaking in 2019, the deal was widely regarded as an error.
So what’s changed, from Ratcliffe’s perspective, to bring him to the table?
Well, possibly the Glazers’ willingness to sell, although the full extent of this is yet to be determined.
At the time of being quoted, Ratcliffe was early on into his tenure as Nice owner. His spell in charge of the Ligue 1 club has essentially been a testing ground, familiarising himself with the business of the sport.
He is now ready to take a bigger step, indicating a desire to do with a late effort to buy Chelsea.
Manchester United’s manager change may have played a role too. He referred to the club not getting the selection right. The latest change has been hiring Erik ten Hag, a manager with a big reputation, who can succeed if he is given time and support.
Ratcliffe could become the owner to provide the financial backing. The Glazers have certainly been no help so far.
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