In an unfolding bid for ownership of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making strategic moves. The chairman of the mammoth chemical company INEOS, Ratcliffe finds himself in an ownership tussle with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. As the ownership saga continues, the Glazers, the current proprietors of the club, remain on the fence, as neither Ratcliffe nor Sheikh Jassim has met their selling price.
In a fresh twist, Ratcliffe is now recalibrating his approach by aiming for minority ownership in the Premier League side.
This strategic shift is a part of his grand blueprint, detailing how he envisions the club’s football dynamics if his takeover materialises.
Central to this vision is the potential inclusion of Paul Mitchell in a pivotal role. CBS Sports suggests that Mitchell is on the radar for the transfer chief position at Old Trafford, should Ratcliffe’s offer find favour.
Mitchell, previously affiliated with Ligue 1’s AS Monaco in the capacity of a sporting director, recently made his exit from the club.
Instead of jumping into another commitment, he is weighing up his next career move. Mitchell’s decision to leave AS Monaco was anticipated, as he revealed his intentions back in March.
Ratcliffe’s proposal hints at the Glazers maintaining a substantial stake in the club. While the nitty-gritty of this renewed offer isn’t public yet, sources from Sky News imply that Ratcliffe’s acquisition would encompass portions of both the Glazers’ stakes and shares available on the New York Stock Exchange in a balanced ratio.
In stark contrast, Sheikh Jassim remains steadfast in his ambitions. The Qatari magnate is resolute on securing full ownership, eyeing a complete buyout of the club’s stake.
Yet, there’s an undercurrent of doubt regarding the depth of his financial reserves.
