Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and founder of the INEOS Group, is on the verge of a deal that could reshape the landscape of English football. Recent reports suggest that Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group are all set to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, pending approval from the club’s current owners, the Glazer family. The catch, however, lies in the conditions put forth by INEOS, which involves securing full control over the football operations at the iconic club.
The Glazers, who have owned Manchester United since 2005, are said to be nearing an agreement with Ratcliffe, who is known for his ambitious business ventures and investments. The proposed deal would make INEOS the second-largest stakeholder at the club, behind the Glazer family.
What sets this potential acquisition apart is the level of control that INEOS is demanding over the football side of Manchester United. This would include decisions regarding the appointment of the manager, the director of football, and other key positions within the club. Such a demand is quite great in the world of football, where ownership typically comes with financial influence rather than operational control.
