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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently interested in developing a multi-club model at Manchester United, with the British tycoon planning to buy 25% of the Red Devils.
The INEOS Group’s owner and creator is likely to spend roughly £1.4 billion for 25% of Man United, with a transaction expected to be announced before the end of the year.
Ratcliffe is believed to see the move as a vital first step in a gradual takeover, with the 71-year-old keen to eventually become the majority owner.
The millionaire is set to take over sporting operations at Old Trafford, and according to Football Insider, Ratcliffe wants to create a multi-club model that can compete with Manchester City.
According to the article, Manchester United is now missing out on Under-18 potential owing to Brexit, and Ratcliffe intends to take over lesser teams abroad in order to allow them to loan out young players.
INEOS and Ratcliffe already own Nice in France and Lausanne Sport in Switzerland, which will purportedly be utilized by Man United to loan out bright kids.
According to reports, Ratcliffe has already decided to fire Erik ten Hag as head coach, with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi named as a possible replacement.
However, Manchester United relieved the burden on their present manager with a 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham on Saturday, with Bruno Fernandes netting the winner late in the game.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a Qatari banker, had been Ratcliffe’s main contender for the Red Devils, however the Qatari banker suddenly dropped his offer for 100% ownership of the club.
Ratcliffe is also said to have contributed £245 millions of his own money to improving Manchester United’s infrastructure, after worries about Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.
At this point, it is unknown how big of an impact the Brit will have this season, but he is expected to shake up the football department.
As a result, CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough may both be fired, with Ratcliffe reportedly eager to bring in his own team.
On the field, Manchester United will look to make it three wins in a row when they travel to Denmark for a Champions League match against Copenhagen next week.
The Red Devils will then face Luton Town in the Premier League at Old Trafford the following Saturday before the November international break.
