Ratcliffe had previously reached an agreement to acquire a 25% stake from the Glazer family for approximately £1.3 billion ($1.6bn), thus gaining control over the club’s football operations. The agreement was reached on December 24th, pending approval from regulatory bodies. Last week, the FA and the Premier League sanctioned the deal, leaving Ratcliffe to finalize the purchase of Class A shares.
Expressing his sentiments, Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated, “To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility. This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”
Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, extended a warm welcome to Sir Jim as a co-owner and expressed eagerness to collaborate closely with him and INEOS Sport in shaping a promising future for Manchester United.
Ratcliffe triumphed over competition from Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who withdrew from the bid to acquire United last October. Al-Thani’s interest lay solely in acquiring the entire club; however, doubts arose when he failed to furnish proof of funds.
Hailing from Failsworth in north Manchester, Ratcliffe has been a lifelong supporter of the club, with the 1999 Champions League final being among his most cherished memories. His petrochemical company INEOS has been involved in various major sports, including cycling, Formula One, sailing, and ownership of French club Nice and Swiss side Lausanne. Ratcliffe acknowledged that assuming control of United’s football operations is the most thrilling endeavor he has undertaken.
Ratcliffe and INEOS sport director Sir Dave Brailsford have already engaged with club personnel at the training ground, with Brailsford attending several matches, including United’s recent 2-0 victory at Luton last Sunday. They have also successfully recruited Omar Berrada from Manchester City to serve as the next CEO, while negotiations are underway to secure Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as the director of football. United, who have won their last four Premier League matches, are scheduled to play Fulham at home next Saturday.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 44 points.
In the last 25 games, it has won 14 times, drawn twice, and lost 9 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 1-2 against Luton Town.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 35 goals and conceding 34.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Fulham on Saturday 24th of February in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.