Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group Eyes Manchester United Takeover

Ineos’s Bold Move: A Bid for Control

In a surprising turn of events, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group has set its sights on assuming control of Manchester United’s football operations from the Glazer family. This audacious move involves a proposed 25% offer, estimated at a staggering £1.3 billion. Ratcliffe, a British billionaire, is reportedly growing increasingly confident about securing the initial stage of what could culminate in a complete buyout.

Rivalry Unveiled: Qatari Banker Withdraws

News has surfaced that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a principal rival in this high-stakes game, has withdrawn from the bidding process. His 100% offer failed to meet the Glazers’ valuation, leading to growing frustrations with their demands. Both Ineos and Al Thani had tabled substantial bids, each hovering around the £5 billion mark.

Gary Neville’s Questioning

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville took to social media to voice his skepticism and concerns. He questioned the viability of Ineos assuming a minority stake and its potential impact on the struggling organization. Neville outlined six “non-negotiable” factors for any takeover and expressed a preference for a complete exit of the Glazer family, stating that they have overstayed their welcome in Manchester.

Supporters’ Call for Clarity

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust released a statement urging all parties involved to prioritize the club’s interests over their own. If Ineos secures a 25% stake, supporters seek clarity on the transaction details and its implications before passing judgment on its merits. The Glazer family, who acquired the club in 2005 for £790 million, announced their consideration of selling in November 2022.

Demonstrations and Current State

United supporters have been vocal in their discontent, staging demonstrations both inside and outside Old Trafford. The club’s performance this season adds fuel to the fire, with six losses in 11 games across all competitions, placing them 10th in the Premier League standings.

Ineos’s Strategic Sporting Portfolio

Ineos’s foray into football ownership is not unprecedented. Currently owning French Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss club Lausanne, Ineos has a diversified sporting portfolio. This includes the high-profile sailing team Ineos Britannia, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, aiming to secure the 2024 America’s Cup for Great Britain. Additionally, Ineos has a five-year partnership with the Formula 1 team Mercedes and acquired the British-based Team Sky in cycling in 2019.

Ratcliffe’s Passionate Pursuit

Jim Ratcliffe, professing to be a lifelong Manchester United fan, had previously attempted to buy Chelsea last year, showcasing his fervent desire to make a significant impact in the football world.

The Potential Impact on Manchester United

If Ineos were to assume control of the football side of Manchester United’s business, they hope it could pacify the disgruntled supporters and prevent a recurrence of the anti-Glazer demonstrations witnessed in recent seasons.

Conclusion: A Bold Bid Unfolds

As the intricate dance of negotiations and bids unfolds, the fate of Manchester United’s ownership hangs in the balance. Ineos, with its diverse sporting holdings and financial prowess, presents a compelling contender. The Glazer family’s announcement in 2022 signaled a potential shift in the club’s ownership, and Ineos aims to be at the forefront of this transformation.