Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos-owned Nice are “among a number of clubs” interested in signing one highly rated Manchester United prospect, according to David Ornstein.
United on Christmas Eve in 2023 confirmed that Ratcliffe’s long-awaited 25 per cent stake in the Premier League club had been sealed as part of a £1.03bn deal.
Ratcliffe’s deal with United would allow Ineos to take control of football operations, with the British billionaire putting up £236m for future investment into Old Trafford.
The 71-year-old, who previously tried to purchase Chelsea, has high expectations placed on his shoulders amid the club’s struggles under the Glazers’ ownership.
Ratcliffe was one of two publicly declared bidders who showed interest in United after the Glazers had hinted at their intention to explore the possibility of selling the club.
The other bidder was Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim, who tabled an offer believed to be more than £5bn before withdrawing from the race to buy United in October 2023.
Ratcliffe’s Nice interested in Facundo Pellistri
Ratcliffe’s influence behind the scenes on United’s football department could result in important changes in how the club handles business in transfer windows.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, French side Nice are among the clubs who have shown interest in United prospect Facundo Pellistri.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, Ornstein outlined that United would need to ship players off and “create a bit of space in the squad” for new signings.
“Now that they’re all together with Ineos, they’re gonna have to try and strategise whether they can do some more [transfers],” he told Rio Ferdinand on The FIVE Insider.
“I don’t think the finances allow them to do much more, but if they can shift some players out.
“I understand there’s interest in [Facundo] Pellistri, for example, from Nice among a number of clubs.
“But that doesn’t do a great deal for the finances but does create a bit of space in the squad.”
Pellistri to Nice on loan could work for United
Pellistri has been battling for regular first-team minutes at United this season and a loan move to Ligue 1 side Nice could be beneficial for his long-term development.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan winger has managed only 13 appearances across all competitions this season and picked up only one assist for United.
Erik ten Hag has preferred to deploy Antony out on the right wing, despite the 23-year-old former Ajax star coming under scathing criticism over his form this season.
Even Alejandro Garnacho was deployed out on the right wing ahead of Pellistri for United’s sensational 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in December.
If Nice could be a destination for Pellistri to play more regular first-team matches, then no doubt a loan move to the Ratcliffe-owned club would be positive for him.
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