Ratcliffe has Guardiola problem in Man Utd deal as business pal 'not compatible'

03 November 2023 , 16:28

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Toto Wolff and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are co-owners of the Mercedes F1 team (Image: PA)

Toto Wolff said he is "far away" from joining Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United – and admitted his soft spot for Pep Guardiola could get in the way.

British businessman Ratcliffe plans to buy a 25 percent stake in the Premier League giants for around £1.3billion. And he is set to pledge a £245million investment in United's infrastructure as part of his new role in helping the Glazer family to run the club.

The 70-year-old is no stranger to sports ownership. He already owns football clubs Nice and Lausanne Sport through his company INEOS and holds a 33 percent stake in the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

As well as the German carmaker itself, the other shareholder of the team is team principal Wolff. Ratcliffe and the Austrian have worked together for many years now and there have been some suggestions that Wolff may be invited to join the investment in the Red Devils.

But, speaking to Sky Sports at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, he said there were no plans for him to do so any time soon. "He's such a clever person and if I could contribute then we'd have a chat," he said of his pal Ratcliffe. "But no, that's very far away."

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But he did open the door to a deal in the future, telling the Press Association: "If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group, then I would certainly look at it... If felt I could contribute then I would consider joining him at Manchester United."

And when asked if he is a United fan, Wolff offered a reason why he may be hesitant to invest in the red-wearing Manchester team. He replied: "I'm a Premier League fan. I think it's the toughest environment. I'm a Pep Guardiola fan, so I guess that's not compatible!"

It is not the first time Wolff has been asked about Ratcliffe's plans for United. Speaking ahead of last month's United States Grand Prix, the Mercedes chief used his own experience of doing business with him to tell fans of the club what they can expect from Ratcliffe.

"Jim and his partners, [INEOS chief executive] Andy [Currie] and [finance director] John [Reece], are first of all very complimentary," he said. This is a no bull**t organisation. They are huge in terms of revenue and profit.

"Decisions are being made quickly – three bullet points on a page and 'here we go'. With Jim, all the bull***t is cut out. So I think wherever he gets his power, and his resource and character behind it, that's going to be an add-on for any team.

"He's a Manchester boy. He has the resources that are needed, the heart is in the right place for this team and I'm sure he can be very creative for Manchester United. And for us he's been a fantastic shareholder, good sounding board and sparring partner for myself."

David McDonnell