INEOS Owner Jim Ratcliffe Invests in Manchester United and Eyes Sporting Director Role

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and owner of petrochemicals company INEOS, has received approval for his 25% investment in Manchester United. As part of the deal, Ratcliffe will also take over footballing operations at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe has already made key appointments to the United board and is now looking to fill the vacant sporting director role. Reports suggest that he is eyeing Newcastle's Dan Ashworth for the position.

Ashworth, who has successfully established robust recruitment departments at both Newcastle and Brighton, is known for his ability to find young and talented players for low sums of money. He previously worked for the FA as its director of elite development and played a key role in creating the 'England DNA' elite player development plan.

If Ratcliffe's ownership deal is completed, he will have the opportunity to reshape United's hierarchy and bring in more key personnel. The appointment of a sporting director could be equally as critical as any players he might sign.

With Ratcliffe's vision and Ashworth's expertise, Manchester United could be on the brink of an INEOS revolution at Old Trafford.