Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to buy 25% of Manchester United marks the start of a new era for Manchester United.
Nobody was surprised when confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.25 billion deal to acquire 25% of Manchester United came. It had, after all, been rumoured for a number of months that the British billionaire would purchase a sizeable stake in the Old Trafford club. Nonetheless, the news was surely a relief to many fans.
A relief because while the much-maligned Glazer family still have a majority shareholding in Manchester United, sporting control has been handed over to Ratcliffe and INEOS. It’s an unusual deal, but one that could reshape the club after a decade of spectacular under-achievement. This could be a landmark moment for United.
Ratcliffe has a lot to address as Manchester United’s new figurehead. He must remould the club’s front office with INEOS right-hand man and former British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford expected to play a pivotal role in plotting the way forward.
