Ineos Founder Jim Ratcliffe Aims to Revive Manchester United Glory with New Stake Acquisition

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INEOS, as part of the recently disclosed agreement on Christmas Eve, will take on delegated responsibilities for football operations.

INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe pledges to elevate Manchester United to the pinnacle of English, European, and global football with a £1.25 billion deal for a 25% stake in the club.

Ratcliffe, a devoted fan, commits to restoring the club’s former glory and investing over £236 million to rejuvenate its infrastructure, marking a significant development amidst fan discontent with the Glazer family’s ownership.

The agreement, contingent on regulatory approvals, positions Ratcliffe to take on football operations delegated responsibility.

Jim Ratcliffe expresses his satisfaction with the deal, stating, “As a local boy and lifelong supporter, I’m delighted about our agreement with the Manchester United board, granting us management responsibility for football operations.

Despite the club’s commercial success, the full potential for winning top-level trophies hasn’t been realized recently.

We aim to leverage the global knowledge, expertise, and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to enhance the club, alongside providing funds for Old Trafford’s future investment.

Committed for the long term, we acknowledge challenges ahead and pledge rigor, professionalism, and passion in collaboration with the board, staff, players, and fans.

Our shared ambition is clear: to see Manchester United reclaim its top position in English, European, and world football.”

INEOS is set to acquire 25% of the Glazers’ Class B shares in a deal that involves a tender offer for up to 25% of Class B shares at USD33 each, without impacting the club’s existing debt.

Jim Ratcliffe’s substantial investment includes injecting USD200 million on completion for Old Trafford upgrades and an additional USD100 million by the end of 2024, totaling around £1.25 billion.

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, amid a strategic review, express delight in the deal, emphasizing the commitment to enhance Manchester United across men’s, women’s, and academy teams.

They highlight Ratcliffe and INEOS’ commercial experience and substantial financial commitment, along with access to INEOS Sport’s seasoned high-performance professionals.

Ratcliffe expresses a commitment to improvement at all levels within Manchester United, aiming for increased success for the passionate fanbase.

His involvement follows a prolonged battle with Sheikh Jassim, who withdrew a bid for full control in October, leading Ratcliffe to pursue a significant minority stake.

The deal, announced by United, seeks to establish a world-class football operation, leveraging existing strengths.

While the Manchester United Supporters Trust offers a guarded welcome to the confirmation of INEOS’ investment, the club looks to enhance its on and off-pitch performance after a trophy drought in the Premier League and Champions League.

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