British billionaire and CEO of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has become the new co-owner of Manchester United after acquiring a 25 percent stake in the club for 1.2 billion pounds. The deal also grants Ratcliffe control of the football operations of the Red Devils, who have struggled since the departure of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Under Ferguson’s leadership, Manchester United enjoyed great success, winning numerous league titles and performing well in Europe. However, the club has seen a decline in fortunes in recent years, failing to clinch the Premier League title and experiencing disappointing campaigns in European competitions.
Currently standing eighth in the Premier League table and on a four-game losing streak across all competitions, Manchester United is in dire need of a turnaround. Ratcliffe’s involvement could potentially bring about positive changes for the club.
Ratcliffe is not new to the sporting world, as he already owns several sports teams. In 2017, his company INEOS acquired FC Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss football club playing in the highest division of the country. He also owns the British sailing team INEOS Britannia, which competes in the America’s Cup. Additionally, Ratcliffe owns the cycling team Ineos Grenadiers, formerly known as Team Sky, which has achieved great success, including winning the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
Furthermore, Ratcliffe owns a third of Formula One franchise Mercedes AMG. In 2019, he acquired French football club OGC Nice and has since transformed the underdog side’s fortunes. Despite a rocky start, the club is currently second in the Ligue 1 table, just five points behind powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.
Ratcliffe’s involvement with OGC Nice has demonstrated his willingness to invest in the transfer market. He has brought in promising talents such as Kasper Dolberg, Jean-Clair Todibo, Kephrem Thuram, and Amine Gouiri. While Manchester United already possesses talented young players in its youth system, Ratcliffe’s focus on recruiting young talents could benefit the club in future transfer windows.
However, Ratcliffe’s track record also includes overspending on certain players, which has not always yielded favorable results. Manchester United fans, though excited about having a local fan at the helm, must remain patient as the club navigates a new direction under Ratcliffe’s ownership.
Overall, Ratcliffe’s involvement in Manchester United brings a wealth of experience from his successful ventures in various sports. While challenges and risks lie ahead, his track record indicates a determination to learn from past mistakes and implement positive changes. As fans anticipate what the future holds under Ratcliffe, they can only hope for a revival of Manchester United’s glory days.
