INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken a swipe at former Manchester United suitor and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Jassim after securing a minority stake at the club.
Both individuals were involved in a heated race involving the proposed takeover after the Glazers announced their intention to sell the club in November 2022.
It was expected that Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim would be in favour of a complete takeover and his officials were in talks with the club’s management. However, he was not personally involved in this conversation.
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On the other hand, Ratcliffe was actively involved in this deal, and he had already held numerous meetings with the current owners. The British billionaire had also visited Old Trafford for a close conversation with United’s management.
And now after winning the race to buy a minority stake at the club, Ratcliffe has aimed a dig at his Qatari counterpart by claiming that no one has ever seen him at this point.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, he said:
“Still, nobody’s ever seen him. The Glazers never met him. He never… I’m not sure he exists!”
Would Sir Jim Ratcliffe start a major revolution at Man United?
The fans were expecting the Glazers to leave the club and hand over a complete takeover to a new owner.
However, a minority bid comes as a surprise to many. The club recently announced that the British billionaire has acquired a 27.7% stake in the club.
Although many would be unhappy with this deal, Ratcliffe has a new responsibility to prove a point and turn his doubters wrong. After being named Glazer 2.0 by the fans, the INEOS chief needs to make correct sporting decisions to prevent another collapse.
The Boyhood United fan’s first aim would be to redevelop the Theatre of Dreams and also target the upcoming summer transfer window.
Erik Ten Hag’s side needs to sell some of their unwanted layers before making smart signings.
Also Read: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership will not affect Erik ten Hag’s future at Man United
It remains to be seen whether the new owner is successful in helping the club compete for titles in the Premier League and the Champions League.
The process would take time and the fans would need to show patience if they want to witness a major change at the club.
