Local billionaire supporter “finally” buys stake in Manchester United – and fans are lovin’ it

At 4pm today, Manchester United Plc released a club statement to the world to announce that they have now reached an agreement for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, to acquire up to a 25% shareholding in the company.

Earlier this week, in a dramatic turn of events, Manchester United’s protracted ownership turmoil seemed on the brink of conclusion, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group poised to seal a £1.25bn deal for a significant 25% stake in the club before Christmas Day.

As a ‘lifelong supporter of Manchester United’, Ratcliffe has provided an additional $300 million intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.

Delighted fans are calling it a ‘Christmas Eve Special”

Manchester United Club Statement

Manchester United plc (NYSE: MANU) announced today that it has entered into an agreement under which Chairman of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will acquire 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class B shares and up to 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class A shares and provide an additional $300 million intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.

As part of the transaction, INEOS has accepted a request by the Board to be delegated responsibility for the management of the Club’s football operations. This will include all aspects of the men’s and women’s football operations and Academies, alongside two seats on the Manchester United PLC board and the Manchester United Football Club boards.

The joint ambition is to create a world-class football operation building on the Club’s many existing strengths, including the successful off-pitch performance that it continues to enjoy.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and all parties are hopeful it will be completed as soon as possible.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s message to United fans

“As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club”, says INEOS Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, “I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the Club. Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times. We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.

“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion. We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward.

“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.”

What the Glazers said

Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said: “We are delighted to have agreed this deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. As part of the strategic review we announced in November 2022, we committed to look at a variety of alternatives to help enhance Manchester United, with a focus on delivering success for our men’s, women’s and Academy teams.

“Sir Jim and INEOS bring a wealth of commercial experience as well as significant financial commitment into the Club. And, through INEOS Sport, Manchester United will have access to seasoned high-performance professionals, experienced in creating and leading elite teams from both inside and outside the game. Manchester United has talented people right across the Club and our desire is to always improve at every level to help bring our great fans more success in the future.”