Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United Football Club has been announced.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has bought 25 per cent of Manchester United, with the key condition he will have a major say over football matters.
The deal was agreed in principle some time ago now, but hasn’t been officially announced. Until now.
Christmas will apparently be coming early for Manchester United fans – with the deal announced on Christmas Eve. Just the 13 months after the launch of a review initiated by the Glazer family…
Sir Jim Ratcliffe releases statement
Sir Jim Ratcliffe released a statement to the media upon completion of the deal.
He said: “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club.
“Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times. We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion. We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward.
“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.”
How the news broke
Multiple sources stated that Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United will be announced today.
Mark Kleinman, Sky News City editor, took to X today with an exclusive on the deal. He writes:
‘Exclusive: Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25pc stake in Manchester United Football Club will be announced today, 13 months after the launch of a review initiated by the Glazer family. Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport will take control of the football side of the club. More soon.’
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouona also took to X to say the same. He writes:
‘Manchester United will announce an official agreement with INEOS in the next few hours via an official press release.’
As did Simon Stone of BBC Sport and Mike Keegan of Mail Sport. It’s finally happening.
13 months later for Man Utd…
After a whirlwind of a takeover saga which began 13 months ago, it looks like it’s finally happening.
It wasn’t the outcome that many Manchester United fans wanted to begin with, but its great news nevertheless.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have big plans for Manchester United. We can’t wait for him to get going.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
