SIR JIM RATCLIFFE expects to take charge of Manchester United’s football operations — despite only bidding for a 25 per cent stake in the club.
The boyhood Red Devils fan has offered around £1.4billion for his Ineos group to acquire a minority share.
That offer will be discussed by the board this week after Sheikh Jassim pulled the plug on a £5bn total takeover.
Ratcliffe is increasingly confident of securing what he hopes will be the first stage of an eventual buyout.
Old Trafford legend Gary Neville yesterday asked 16 questions relating to Ratcliffe’s proposed stake.
While the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust have accused club owners the Glazer family of making decisions that focus on their own priorities rather than the fans’.
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However, if Ratcliffe takes charge of the sporting side, it may go some way to appeasing disgruntled supporters.
The preliminary arrangement would see the Glazers continue to run the club’s commercial operation.
Ratcliffe and his team are aware of the problems faced in redeveloping and possibly expanding a crumbling Old Trafford.
But they believe the top priority is to improve performances on the pitch.
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Despite another huge outlay from manager Erik ten Hag in the summer, United have lost six of their first 11 games in all competitions.
They are tenth in the Premier League and bottom of their Champions League group.
Brit Ratcliffe’s Ineos group already have stakes in various sporting teams around the world, including football clubs Nice and Lausanne.
They are convinced their ideas will give United a much-needed lift.
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They also hope their initial investment is the first phase of a total takeover.
But Neville and the MUST have called for clarity over what is happening.
It is now 11 months since the Glazers announced they would consider selling.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
