Sir Jim Ratcliffe given Man Utd takeover update after private Joel Glazer talks

10 November 2023 , 17:47

558     0

Sir Jim Ratcliffe given Man Utd takeover update after private Joel Glazer talks

After weeks of speculation, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to seal his £1.3billion deal for a minority stake in Manchester United imminently.

Alongside Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Ineos chief has been attempting to buy into his boyhood club for almost a year after the Glazer family announced they were seeking "strategic alternatives" last November.

While Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe were both originally attempting to strike a deal for a full takeover, the latter's willingness to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club is set to bear fruit. And following reports last month outlining the structure of an agreement between Ratcliffe and the Glazers, it now seems as though official confirmation of said deal is on the horizon.

Mirror Football understands that Ratcliffe's deal for a minority stake in the club is set to be confirmed during the upcoming international break - meaning an announcement could be just days away.

The petrochemicals billionaire is set to assume full control of sporting operations as per the terms of the deal, which will enable Old Trafford to undergo much-needed renovations.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

While plenty is expected to change in the coming months with Ratcliffe at the helm, the Glazer family will remain in power and, seemingly, work alongside the Ineos chief. Discussions between the two parties have even been taking place behind the scenes in recent weeks, according to a recent report from The Manchester Evening News.

Join the debate! Are you pleased with Ratcliffe's deal? Let us know here.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.3billion deal for a minority stake in Man United is expected to be confirmed during the international break (PA)

They claim that Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer have participated in secret video calls ahead of the ratification of the deal, with Ratcliffe expected to bring his own people in. Chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are two of the people believed to be at risk.

Ratcliffe is also expected to hire a sporting director in a bid to improve United's recruitment strategy with Monaco's former transfer guru Paul Mitchell at the top of his wanted list.

Despite overseeing the club's worst start to a season since 1974, Erik ten Hag is expected to remain in his post under Ratcliffe. The Dutchman still has credit in the bank after a fine maiden year at the helm but recognises results have to improve after overseeing nine defeats in 17 matches so far this term.

Ten Hag's side have the opportunity to bounce back from their disastrous 4-3 defeat against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night against Premier League strugglers Luton Town on Saturday.

Dan Marsh