Sir Jim Ratcliffe could finalise a deal to become a minority shareholder at Manchester United during the upcoming international break.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group is expected to pay in the region of £1.25billion for a 25 per set stake in the Old Trafford club, while also acquiring significant control over footballing operations.
There is no a firm timetable for the deal to be finalised, but it could come as early as next week, with Ineos optimistic it will be done before the Premier League campaign resumes on November 25 after the international break.
Reports that the deal could come as soon as Monday have, however, been dismissed as that is the date of Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral.
It is almost a year since the Glazer family announced, on November 22, 2022, that they were considering “strategic alternatives” to help the club grow, which included consideration of a sale.
Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ratcliffe emerged from a large field of interested parties, and made offers in the region of £5bn for a complete takeover, but that fell short of the Glazer family’s valuation.
Sheikh Jassim then withdrew from the process last month, while Ratcliffe continued to pursue a minority shareholding which could later be increased.
The 71-year-old, who tried to buy Chelsea last year, grew up in the Manchester region and describes himself as a lifelong fan of United.
The deal is expected to lead to a major shake up of United’s football operations. Sir Dave Brailsford, the former performance director of British Cycling, is expected to take on significant influence in his role as Ineos’s director of sport.
The group already owns French Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss club Lausanne, as well as the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team and Ineos Britannia – the sailing team led by Sir Ben Ainslie.
They also have a stake in Formula One team Mercedes, whose team principal Toto Wolff last week said he would also consider investing in United once Ratcliffe’s deal is completed.
Ongoing speculation and uncertainty over the club’s ownership has come at a time when United are struggling on the pitch.
Wednesday’s stunning 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen has left Erik ten Hag’s side bottom of their Champions League group, while they are eighth in the Premier League, having lost nine of 17 games in all competitions.
FC Copenhagen v Man United - player ratings
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MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Needed to use his status as an auxiliary outfield player when United went down to 10, but conceded four goals. He wasn’t culpable. Reuters -
Made a run down the right and cut the ball back for McTominay to set up the first goal in front of the 36,099 crowd. United are far better with the right back in the side and he combined well with Rashford. AFP -
An early appeal for a penalty against him was rightly ignored, but a second one wasn’t eight minutes into time added on in the first half. Blocked a Copenhagen shot on the hour and it was his header that led to a United penalty. Smashed the crossbar. Booked. Reuters -
Started well, composed and calm, but came off injured after 15. A shame, he’s been doing well. PA -
Tried to combine with Garnacho with mixed results. Gave the ball to Claesson after 57 and was fortunate that he didn’t take advantage. Lerager got behind him to score the third. Sloppy. Getty Images -
Back in his homeland and reliable. Spotted speaking to Falk, who he grew up with. Came off after 54 minutes on the pitch – or half time – as United were down to 10 and needed to be more defensive. Reuters -
Assist for the opener, rolling the ball across the box. Shot over on 78 after a late Fernandes pass. Energy throughout. AFP -
Started the run to set up the second goal. Headed the ball against his own crossbar on 43 after United had gone down to 10. Ran really hard when his side went down to 10. Beautiful penalty swept into the top left corner on 69. Gave it his all. AFP -
Ran at goal and shot on target after 28. The keeper could only parry it away into the path of Hojlund who scored. Getty Images -
Nice touches, interplay and a cross to Hojlund before he received a straight red card on 42 after he lunged at Jelert’s and stood on his ankle. VAR confirmed it was a red. “Out! Out! Out!” chanted the home fans as Rashford protested to the referee. PA -
Put his side ahead after three minutes against the club who let him leave, an easy chance from a few yards out. Made it 2-0 on 28, his fifth Champions League goal in four games this season. Alone as United reverted to 4-4-1 with 10 men. AFP -
SUBS: (Evans 15') Nudged Maguire to the left-hand side of the defence. Copenhagen’s first went through his legs. Hesitant and out of shape. Getty Images -
(Eriksen 45') Gave the ball away within three minutes, then again on 64. Made amends by stopping a 63rd-minute attack. Getty Images -
(Hojlund 83') Getty Images
