Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Deal to Acquire 25% of Man Utd Nearing Completion: Premier League Approval Secured

Introduction

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to buy 25% of Manchester United (Man Utd) is on the verge of completion, as he has gained Premier League approval for the acquisition.

The Deal

On Christmas Eve, it was announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman of Ineos, had agreed to purchase a 25% stake in Man Utd. The deal includes a $300 million investment into the club's infrastructure. Ratcliffe plans to buy Class B shares held by the Glazer family and has offered to acquire up to 25% of all Class A shares at a price of $33 per share.

Meetings and Approvals

Ratcliffe has conducted meetings with club staff, independent Manchester United Supporters' Trust leaders, local leaders, and senior representatives of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. He also attended the Munich Air Disaster memorial.

Premier League Approval

According to Tom Morgan in the Daily Telegraph, Ratcliffe has received Premier League directors and owners' test approval for his minority stake in Man Utd. The deal is expected to be completed within days, pending final agreement from the Football Association. The Premier League statement confirming the decision is likely to be released next week.

Overhaul of Playing Squad

Ratcliffe is reportedly planning to lead an overhaul of Man Utd's playing squad. He aims to bring in four new players to support Erik ten Hag's efforts to restore the club's competitiveness in the Premier League.

Gary Neville's Perspective

Former Man Utd right-back Gary Neville believes that Ratcliffe can achieve some early wins at Old Trafford. Neville emphasizes the importance of communication and building trust with the fans. He acknowledges Ratcliffe's experience at successful clubs like Manchester City and Barcelona and sees the potential for positive changes at Man Utd.

Conclusion

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to acquire 25% of Man Utd is nearing completion. With Premier League approval secured, Ratcliffe's plans for an overhaul of the playing squad and his focus on communication and trust-building offer hope for the club's future success.