What is in this for Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Why would a billionaire who turns 71 this week commit to buying a quarter share and a gradual takeover of a football club – leaving the owners the fans hate in control?
There are a few basic things to note. Ratcliffe is a very young 70. He keeps himself fit and will no doubt believe that he will have considerable time in control of Manchester United.
Then there is the emotional pull. Ratcliffe claims to be a boyhood United fan and was brought up in Failsworth, a predominantly working-class town on Oldham’s border with Manchester. The council house in which he was raised is a little over a mile away from Newton Heath, United’s birthplace.
Then there is the glamour. One source close to the process summed it up well. ‘To say Manchester United is a prized asset is underplaying it hugely,’ they explained.
‘If you are seriously rich and want to buy a yacht, you go and get one. If you want to buy a luxury house, or a fast car you go and get one.
'But when you go into a room with your peers they have all done that too. When you go into that room and say that you own Manchester United then you win.
'And they can make more yachts and supercars and houses – but they cannot build another Manchester United.
'There will only ever be one and the opportunity to acquire it has a massive pull. It is something that simply does not come around very often.’
By all accounts, Ratcliffe’s bid team have been savvy.
They have been in regular dialogue with Raine, the US merchant bank handling the sale. There have been no ultimatums, unlike their Qatari rivals, and they have been respectful and flexible.
When it became clear an initial bid for a majority stake would not be accepted, they found another way – something Ratcliffe, who has two sons and a daughter, has been doing all his life.
He has also been making a success, and United presents a huge challenge. And paying between £1.4bn and £1.5bn now affords him time to find the rest.
Those who know the INEOS billionaire says he has a spirit for adventure. He may well need that over the coming days, weeks and years.
Tunbdlmuy
0
shut up. it's because he's English
Americans don’t care he is English. Glazers want to squeeze more blood from United.
Paeabimoty
1
He wasn't savvy you fools. He is the same the glazers. So stupid, agrees with stupid. Jassim brought common sense, buy the club for twice the value, cash and clear the debt. Shows glazers don't care bout the club. So screw this article.
kumakmprtz
1
shut up. it's because he's English
Laueimstz
0
Echee27
0
Is it 75% or 25%?
It’s 25 not 75
Echee27
0
Why pity his teacher rather pity yours cause Ratcliffe haven't bought 75%rather 25% which doesn't make him an owner until he aquires at least 51% of the shares.
I just realized it’s 25% not 75% this man, this one that you took it so personal as if you’re fighting for land Ewu
misabcdenp
0
That's how UK politics interferes in football.. Saudi Media group were clear favorites in all the important areas to take over Chelsea but we all know how it ended because of UK political influence
AustinEvergreen1
0
I pity your teacher, when someone buys 75% share of a particular club, whose opinion matters most
Why pity his teacher rather pity yours cause Ratcliffe haven't bought 75%rather 25% which doesn't make him an owner until he aquires at least 51% of the shares.
hilton85
0
I pity your teacher, when someone buys 75% share of a particular club, whose opinion matters most
Is it 75% or 25%?
hilton85
2
The British government won’t allow an Arab buy Manchester United but they allowed an Arab to buy Manchester city. Manchester United is the British most precious club and they don’t want it to be owned by foreigners, but yet the same British media can’t stop spreading hate news about Manchester United as soon they draw one match. I don’t understand why they don’t want Manchester United to progress
Nesailnopu
0
if is true i will advise my self
zizdlmou
0
good bye my beloved man u .. forever in my heart . politics have finally killed you
ceuabnor
0
never judge any man immediately just wait for him to do his own first
He is not a good owner,you do know that he owns a club in France which is not doing well at all,just saying 🤷🏾♂️
Pucadlsuz
0
never judge any man immediately just wait for him to do his own first
Echee27
0
Note: this man didn't buy man u he just bought a share at man u that's it
I pity your teacher, when someone buys 75% share of a particular club, whose opinion matters most
dodbckmn
0
Another stringet miser in.
Cjaysports
0
All painchester fans today
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why should I be in pain ?I'm only a fan,a fan can decide to switch sides.No issues I'm done watching united. ofcourse for the love of the club will watch unitedwomen.
Lisiknopsz
0
This is the 2nd worst news I've heard today!! The 1st one was Israel are killing the moving civilian in gaza.. God bless Gaza... 🙏
stop being basiers en speak the truth why are you Moslems tend to be knowing God yet in all actual sense even you people know that Israel is God's firstborn whatever u read today and from the creation time all started in Israel till that false prophet Muhammad of your's came won your soul's and spread the word of blood thirsty into your heart's yet after Israelites were murdered in the cold blood u Moslems are happy and u don't want them to take revenge over there people note that solemnly promise God to Abraham as quoted as he said I'm the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob but neither did God say he's the God of false prophet that he's the God Muhammad......let me assure you even though the entire world gang against Israel God himself will come for there rescue Israel is more than a nation as u think and u Moslems hate Israel because they're God's firstborn and chosen people take it or leave it no nation can defeat Israel when you fight Israel you're fighting God himself
Lisiknopsz
1
With time to come and how united is being ran one day utd will be relegated we have finally lost gust of arguments with any club now utd just remains a historical club but in actual sense it's finished and over as simple as that
Nobletech5050
1
Note: this man didn't buy man u he just bought a share at man u that's it
Kidbcotuyz
4
will see were it goes
Daphoenix23
3
Officially the END of Manchester United 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
behaclnrz
0
what will this guy offer man united
KingsleyIsu
0
UK politics in Football
Jeremykyan1
0
All painchester fans today
[image]
unfortunately true 😞
kuoceiltz
1
glazer's are destroying our beloved man united team
mohdeimpz
3
This is the 2nd worst news I've heard today!! The 1st one was Israel are killing the moving civilian in gaza.. God bless Gaza... 🙏
bidcdinsty
1
We are finished completely
qimba
0
I never what him to buy Manchester United
rubby26Anan
0
All painchester fans today
Kipcinrs
2
U called it successful go MDF
jojo88
0
To hell😏
AFer18463985
2
United is doom
fehckmsuz
1
he came for making money 🤑
Lawbeopsyz
0
Ok
kadkpsz
0
So the crook has won .
SMHellas
0
If the Glazers truly cared about the club, they would have seen Ratcliffe is a crap club owner, just as they are, and would have sold 100% of the club regardless of who was nicer to them. Instead they are piling on the misery for the fans, so we all know they don't give a toss
Beminru
0
And the fing glazers are still there 😡😡😡
sahcdiopsy
1
The worst day in the clubs recent history
sahcdiopsy
0
The warriors rst day in the clubs recent history
Vendiknprt
1
england silently rejecting the Arab investors
Glaziers are not from England,ore than Politics, they are doing business with Manchester United. I love Arabs, but they owners are focusing on profitable business for Manchester United.
Vendiknprt
0
The English people are rejecting the Arab people, but they think we don't know.
My friend always learn what you don't understand. In business you must always 💯 respect your opponents. The Arabian was stubborn giving unnecessary ultimatum instead of focus and persuasion to gently buy Manchester United and build castles. Mr Jim was patient and read below and above the line. consequently he won. Ownership of Manchester United is a business more than a football clubs.
zaaciklnop
2
With all the money he has, he still looks hungry
mupacmpu
0
The English people are rejecting the Arab people, but they think we don't know.
Go and sit down with your religion mentality. Do Arabs give other people freedom to do anything in their countries mtcheeeeeee
Fowbcdnotz
2
The English people are rejecting the Arab people, but they think we don't know.
S100K
1
Finally, OLD Trafford is handed over to ÓLD Man.
soplrstyz
1
england silently rejecting the Arab investors
That is the politic I am talking about. They are seriously afraid that one day they will have nothing to control in their own country
zezdilmnsz
2
this is rubbish for rejecting jassim
IsraelKiri
0
england silently rejecting the Arab investors
myclubliverpool
4
new stories same united [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]