Prospective investor Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to infuse Manchester United with an additional $300 million (£245 million) earmarked for infrastructure enhancements, separate from his potential stake acquisition.
Sky News indicates that Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of Ineos, is on the verge of securing a 25% share in the iconic Premier League club, with an announcement anticipated soon.
The investment for the stake is pegged at about £1.25 billion, which would bring Ratcliffe’s total investment to approximately £1.5 billion. Insiders suggest that the £245 million for infrastructure will be distributed over time and funded directly by Ratcliffe, not increasing Manchester United’s current debt.
Following a year of discussions with various interested parties, including Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, the transaction with Ratcliffe is expected to be finalized within the next two weeks, although timelines have been subject to change throughout the negotiation process.
Old Trafford, Manchester United’s venerable stadium, has been a focal point of fan dissatisfaction, with the Glazer family, the current owners, facing criticism for not investing in the facility. The club’s waning on-field success has intensified the urgency for the Ratcliffe deal to be completed, ideally in time to bolster the squad in the January transfer window.
This development comes as Manchester United’s rivals, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, have all recently made significant investments in their stadiums.
The specifics of how Ratcliffe will acquire his stake remain uncertain, especially given Manchester United’s dual-class share structure on the US stock market, where the Glazers hold the majority of voting rights through Class B shares. No pricing details have been disclosed yet.
The Glazers took a portion of the club public in New York in 2012 after their 2005 acquisition for $790 million. Ratcliffe, a Manchester United supporter who also owns French Ligue 1 club Nice, may see this as an opportunity to influence the club he supports. Following the news, Manchester United’s shares saw a 3% increase to $18.42 in early trading.
