Sir Alex Ferguson. (Twitter)
As Ratcliffe closes in on acquiring a 25 per cent stake at Manchester United, legendary manager Ferguson feels that the INEOS chief could do wonders at Old Trafford.
As Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United reportedly nears its completion, legendary manager Alex Ferguson has now shared his views on the imminent takeover of the English giants.
As per Sky News, the INEOS chief is expected to acquire a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United with the much-awaited deal to be confirmed later this week. Ferguson, who happens to be Manchester United’s last Premier League title-winning manager, feels that Ratcliffe can do wonders at Old Trafford.
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“I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic,” the former Manchester United manager said during an interview with Gambling Zone.
Glazer family, the American owners of Manchester United, had purchased the English side for 790 million pounds back in 2005. In November, Glazers, also the owners of Florida-based NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced their plans to ask for outside investment which could have resulted in the sale of Manchester United.
One of Britain’s richest people with a net worth of $15.1 billion, Jim Ratcliffe, had initially bid for the family’s controlling stake of around 69 per cent at Manchester United. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim, on the other hand, had expressed his desire to acquire 100 per cent of the club.
INEOS’ association with the sport is not something new. The British multinational chemicals company also owns French football club Nice and Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport.
The Associated Press had previously reported that Ratcliffe also intends to run football operations at Manchester United, as per a person in the know of the proposal.
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Manchester United’s strategies in the transfer market are expected to be revamped if the takeover is eventually completed. Despite spending around $2 billion on transfers in the past decade, Manchester United have not been able to retain their position as one of the major forces.
As the takeover uncertainty still looms large over Manchester United, the side aims to improve their performances on the field. The Erik ten Hag-coached side have so far claimed 21 points from 12 Premier League matches this season.
Manchester United currently occupy the sixth spot in the Premier League standings. The Red Devils will take on Everton in their next fixture on Sunday, November 26.