What OGC Nice insiders have been told about Sir Jim Ratcliffe investment at Manchester United

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Manchester United are set to receive serious investment from billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns French side OGC Nice.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to purchase a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United, Sky News report.

There has been some concern expressed among the French media about Ratcliffe’s focus being on United, fearing Nice could become ‘another satellite club’.

This is not a fear being shared among senior figures at Nice itself, who have been assured it is business as usual.

• READ: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Net Worth and more of Man Utd’s new potential owner

OGC Nice stance on Manchester Unied investment

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, staff at Nice have been reassured there will be no negative impact for them from Ineos’ venture into the Premier League.

The report states: “At Les Aiglons headquarters, the subject is not taboo. The possibility of taking a stake in Manchester has been raised with employees in recent weeks. With a clear message to reassure: if United’s entry into the Ineos galaxy is among the possible scenarios, Nice’s strategy over the coming years has been designed as independent, and validated by the shareholder, who has no plans to leave the Côte d’Azur.”

The possibility of Nice becoming a feeder club to Manchester United has also been dismissed.

“In the minds of Nice’s leaders, a possible cohabitation of the OGCN and Manchester United within the same group should in no way mean that the French club would become a subsidiary or satellite of the English giant.”

It is added that the multi-club ownership model is simply seen as ‘almost normal’ in 2023.

The mood at Nice is said to be ‘calm’ and there is not a feeling that Ineos’ investment in Manchester United is a ‘turning point’ for them.

Don’t bet on Manchester United raiding Nice

Nice’s forward thinking recruitment means they have at least a couple of strong performers who would improve Manchester United’s squad.

One is centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo and another is midfielder Khephren Thuram, both France internationals.

United do have the inside track to sign them, and it makes more sense for Nice to sell to United, rather than Liverpool, for instance. However, there will be some pressure not to sell their stars to Old Trafford, to prove they are not a feeder club, especially early on.