Alan Nixon, a journalist for The Sun, revealed on his podcast that the INEOS owner “hopes to be running” the club by next Monday.

Nixon also indicates Sir Jim Brailsford will be a significant figure in Ratcliffe’s new sporting structure. This is not thought to be the only personnel change in the works, however.

Paul Mitchell has been strongly linked as a potential director of football in this new-look executive branch at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe is thought to have been a long-term admirer of Mitchell, who has worked previously at Monaco, RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.

A proposed change at the chief executive position has also been vaunted. Jean-Claude Blanc, previously of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, has been suggested as a potential option for this role, having recently joined INEOS to oversee their sporting portfolio.

As such, the two figures who occupy these spaces at present at Old Trafford – John Murtough and Richard Arnold – are thought to be in a potentially perilous position. Reports suggest the pair face a fight to “convince” their new boss of their place at the club.

Ratcliffe’s bid for a minority stake of United (25%) is thought to be worth in the region of £1.25 billion; a figure considered a “premium” by sources close to the deal.

As a result, the price only makes sense when the inclusion of full sporting control at Old Trafford is factored in, as well as a potential pathway to full ownership.

The proposal is also reported to include an infrastructure investment pledge with it, worth £245 million. This money will be exclusively utilised to improve the facilities at the club, and will be entirely financed by Ratcliffe – it will, crucially, not add to United’s existing debt.

This means Ratcliffe’s intial investment into the club could reach a total of around £1.5 billion.

These reports constitute positive steps towards the comprehensive overhaul desperately required at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.

With Nixon suggesting the first of these steps is set to be made next week, it will represent something of an early Christmas present for the fanbase after what has been an absymal start to the season.

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Almost one year after the Glazers announced their intention to explore strategic options for United including a full or partial sale, the process is expected to come to an end by way of Sir Jim Ratcliffe completing a 25% investment into the club.

The withdrawal of Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani paved the way for Sir Jim to emerge victorious.

The British businessman’s proposal is contingent on being granted full sporting control at Old Trafford.

INEOS are also understood to have inserted clauses that would see the petrochemical giants eventually assume full control of United, with the Glazers finally leaving entirely.

Sir Jim intends to undertake a radical overhaul of United’s operations with a view to making it one of the best-run clubs in the world.

The 71-year-old is also keen on implementing a multi-club model that would see United incorporated into a network of football teams owned by INEOS.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Sir Jim has been holding regular virtual calls with Joel Glazer to discuss potential changes to structural organization and personnel replacements.

Amidst all this, Nick Train, who is a United shareholder revealed that talks over Sir Jim’s deal with the Glazers have been “extraordinarily convoluted and lengthy.”

He told The Financial Times (via This is Money) that he can only “assume” negotiations are still ongoing.

Train via the Train investment fund owns a 20 per cent shareholding in the Red Devils.

He remarked, “It would be wonderful if our investors end up seeing that value accorded to the shares that we own on their behalf.”

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Manchester United’s takeover saga has been the major talking point surrounding Old Trafford since the Glazer family opened the club up to the market last November.

A year on, it looks a though Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS consortium have won the race to invest in United after Sheikh Jassim’s full sale offers were rejected by the current owners.

Sir Jim appears to have agreed a 25% stake in the club with £245 million being rumoured as the investment figure.

It’s important to note Ratcliffe’s proposal is yet to be officially confirmed by the club but the partnership is set to be communicated in the coming weeks.

As reported by The Mirror, former United captain Gary Neville has spoken on his feelings toward the rumoured figures of investment.

Speaking on the ‘Gary Neville Podcast’ for Sky Sports, the former defender says fans will not be overly impressed by the reported numbers as investment into the decaying Old Trafford would require much deeper funds than those currently being tabled by Ratcliffe.

“You don’t sit here as a Manchester United fan, wholly impressed by the idea of £245m going in to improve the stadium because we know that Real Madrid and Barcelona are spending a billion to get their stadiums right with a full refit.

“We know that other clubs have spent significantly more. So, we know that is not actually going to touch the sides properly of a full refurb of Old Trafford,” he said.

However, Neville does believe that Ratcliffe’s business acumen is enough to suggest he has further plans for Old Trafford and the initial sum is likely to form the initial part of a instalment plan to restore the ground to its former glory.

“But what it is, is a significant amount of money – and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a smart and successful businessman.

“He’s not going to put £245m into something and let it go down the drain, so I suspect it is probably the first instalment of some sort of plan that means that they will phase the refurbishment of the stadium over two or three different seasons,” said Neville.

As mentioned, Ratcliffe is hoping to complete his deal for a stake in the club in the coming weeks and will be hoping United can muster up some form in time for his takeover.

United travel to Copenhagen for a must-win Champions League Group A game tonight, before hosting Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday.

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The prospect of a new takeover bid for Manchester United by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has been ruled out by Sky Sports, though he wishes the club well and wants them to be as “successful as possible.”

Speaking on the Sky Sports news channel, Kaveh Solhekol (video below) revealed Sheikh Jassim “remains a Man Utd supporter” despite his efforts to gain control of the club ultimately failing.

Sheikh Jassim remains a Man Utd supporter and wants them to be as successful as possible despite failing to agree a deal to buy the club from the Glazers pic.twitter.com/AmtquE9CFz

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 7, 2023

The Qatari banker’s bid, which was directed through the 92 Foundation, was for one hundred percent ownership at Old Trafford, worth in the region of £5 billion.

Solhekol reports that the Glazers were asking for £6 billion to secure such a deal.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe rivalled Sheikh Jassim with the INEOS owner the only other credible contender in the takeover race, which was sparked last November when the Glazers announced they were considering a “strategic review” of the club, which would include a potential sale.

Ratcliffe’s flexibility ultimately saw him outmanoeuver his competitor, agreeing a minority stake deal for 25% ownership, worth a fee around £1.25 billion.

The bid has a reported infrastructure investment pledge attached to it – worth £245 million – meaning Ractliffe’s propsal totals an investment of roughly £1.5 billion, subject to ratification.

There had been rumours, mostly on social media, that Sheikh Jassim could perform a stunning u-turn and return to the process with a new bid. Solhekol refutes this idea, however.

The Sky Sports news reporter reveals the Qatari banker is no longer “in the picture” for a takeover bid, with “no indication” that will change.

The team responsible for Sheikh Jassim’s bids has been “disbanded” with the unsuccessful process costing the businessman “millions of pounds”; losses he has been forced to absorb with no return.

As such, there is considered zero possibility he will reverse his decision to withdraw from negotiations, originally citing an “unrealistic and fanciful” evaluation by the Glazers for the price of their club as the reason.

Solhekol contends Sheikh Jassim’s support of the club has not wavered, however.

The post Sheikh Jassim affirms his support for club despite unsuccessful bid appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Ratcliffe is closing in on a 25% partial investment into United that will essentially make him a minority owner.

The INEOS billionaire’s proposal is contingent on being granted full control of United’s sporting operations.

Already, it’s understood that Ratcliffe has identified possible individuals to spearhead his revolution at Old Trafford.

Former AS Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig football director Paul Mitchell is under strong consideration for a key role at United.

Ex-CEO of Juventus Jean-Claude Blanc is also on track to come in for a top job at United when Ratcliffe’s arrangement with the Glazers becomes official.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Ratcliffe is in regular consultation with Joel Glazer, who last stepped foot in Manchester in 2019 for the Red Devils’ quarter-final clash against Barcelona.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been holding virtual meetings with Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer ahead of the Ineos Group’s impending investment in the club.”

“Ratcliffe is also believed to have held extensive talks with Glazer about potential changes to United’s structure, including possible personnel changes.”

“United chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are thought to be at risk.”

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person divulged that Ratcliffe harbours ambitions of implementing a multi-club model at United.

Football Insider have given a small update on this and mentioned that the British businessman is aiming to add up to two clubs to his network within the next 12-24 months of his United takeover.

The report states, “At present, Man United are unable to sign international Under-18 players due to Brexit-changing work permit rules – and that is hugely affecting their ability to source and develop elite young talent.”

“A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Red Devils chiefs currently feel that they are working with ‘one hand tied behind their back.'”

INEOS already own Swiss side Lausanne and French giants OGC Nice. These two clubs would be incorporated into an ecosystem also featuring United.

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Mark Kleinman (Sky News) has revealed the INEOS offer is set to be “unveiled” this month, with the sizeable investment pledge attached to it. The £245 million will be will be personally financed by Ratcliffe and would not add to the club’s existing debts.

EXCLUSIVE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe will commit $300m (£245m) from his multibillion pound fortune to @ManUtd's ageing physical infrastructure as part of a deal – expected to be sealed this month – that will see Ineos Sports buying a 25% stake in the Red Devils. https://t.co/EGfnEWPowA

— Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) November 3, 2023

When this is combined with the potential fee required to secure the minority stake, it means Ratcliffe’s initial investment into United on day one could reach a figure in the region of £1.5 billion.

Kleinman indicates this number may vary, however, dependent on the the price ultimately agreed for the shares.

Sources close to the deal indicate the investment will be staggered with the “bulk” of it being provided at the end of the year. One such individual confirmed the investment will be “focused” on the United’s physical infrastrcture, not the sporting side of the operation.

The prospective costs for the comprehensive revamp Old Trafford requires are thought to be in excess of £1 billion.

Sky Sports understands Ratcliffe is “understood to be committed to investing additional sums” in the future, but there has been no confirmation of this. It would be unlikely he would be willing to provide significant additional investment without being granted an accordantly greater share of the control of the club however.

It also remains unclear what United fans can expect from their club in the January transfer market should Ratcliffe’s bid, which is thought to include control over the football department, be confirmed.

United are currently experiencing a crisis on the pitch, with Erik ten Hag’s side enduring eight losses from their opening sixteen games.

Reports are emerging that the Dutchman may be losing the dressing room, with the players’ performances indicating they are unresponsive to his instructions. There is a depressing familiarity to these stories, however, with parallels being drawn to the demise of previous United managers.

The root cause of these issues appear to go far deeper than Ten Hag, with the lack of competent leadership above him and the complete absence of investment or interest from the owners enabling a profound rot at Old Trafford.

Which is why the prospect of meaningful change at the executive level above him may offer an end to this vicious cycle, though questions remain about exactly how this would be achieved.

Joel Glazer appears set to maintain influence on football decisions, which throws doubt onto what this new structure will actually look like. Whether the changes will come in time to save Ten Hag is another question.

The minority stake deal, with the attached investment pledge, is expected to be announced within two weeks, though with negotiations between representatives of Ratcliffe and the Glazers still ongoing, this may also be subject to change.

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As reported earlier today by The Peoples Person, the club’s annual report, released yesterday, shows that this summer’s entire transfer window was funded by loans.

These loans totalled around £130 million, leaving just £40 million of the club’s £300m credit facility left available.

United fans would not be shocked to see another January, like that of 2023, in which Ten Hag is told there is no money for transfers, even if key players are ruled out for the season.

But the bigger issue is what will happen next summer if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn investment into the club does not go ahead.

There will literally be only £40 million available for transfers, assuming further borrowing does not take place between now and then.

If United exercise their buy option on Sofyan Amrabat of £21.4 million, only £18.6 will remain.

With Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad al Thani having pulled out of the race to sign United, Sir Jim has the Glazers over a barrel.

Unless they can secure credit elsewhere, which is becoming increasingly unlikely given the state of the club and the size of the existing debt, the INEOS chief is the only lifeline left for the Glazers.

An announcement over his investment is yet to come and there have been reports of issues to be ironed out in terms of whether or not he will be given total control over footballing matters.

If the Glazers refuse to accede to his demands and he walks away, it is hard to see how United can avoid financial ruin.

With no money for transfers and a decaying stadium and training facilities, we are looking at a scenario in which the greedy Glazers will have asset-stripped one of the world’s biggest football clubs into obscurity.

This really is make-or-break time for the entire future of the Red Devils. Whatever fans might think of Sir Jim or of the fact that it is not an outright sale, failure to complete this deal will be catastrophic.

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When the Glazers announced a strategic review of the club, fans were hopeful that a full sale would ensue, meaning an end to the American family’s regime.

Two bidders — Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani put in bids of contrasting fashion with the INEOS chairman eyeing a majority stake while the Sheikh wanted 100% of the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority offer

The greedy Glazers refused to budge from their exorbitant stance and time kept passing and it almost seemed like they were reluctant to sell.

In order to break the impasse, INEOS decided to modify their approach and instead opted to agree a minority stake which would see the greedy Glazers continue to remain at the helm.

The Qatari prince left the race and fans were left deeply disappointed as they will now have to continue enduring the Glazers being in charge of the club.

However, Ratcliffe’s minority stake offer is yet to be ratified with reports claiming that this delay will mean the British billionaire might not be in time to salvage the season by spending big in January.

Football Insider have now claimed the opposite, stating that Ratcliffe’s offer will be ratified soon and he will become a minority stakeholder within the year.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on course to complete the first stage of his Man United takeover within weeks and before the start of the New Year, sources have told Football Insider.

“United’s board are currently finalising the details of the agreement before Ratcliffe’s investment is officially announced. It is understood that the 71-year-old will have no issues passing the Owners’ and Directors’ Test with the Premier League.

“Once the final details are agreed upon by both parties, the takeover process is set to accelerate quickly and Ratcliffe is expected to be part of United’s board by the end of the year.

“It is unclear how much decision-making power Ratcliffe will have during the first few months at the club.”

Ratcliffe might be a board member within 2023

Whether there is time for him to arm the club with a sizeable budget for the January transfer market remains to be seen.

The INEOS chairman’s ultimate plan is to buy out the Glazers in the next couple of years and ensure he becomes the primary owner.

Ratcliffe’s latest proposal includes buying an initial 25 percent stake in the club in a deal worth around £1.4billion. He will be given the licence to handle the sporting side of things at the club as per reports.

Ratcliffe is eyeing a major shakeup of the footballing structure as well while also eyeing an upgrade on Old Trafford which would see its capacity expanded to 90,000.

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Erik ten Hag’s squad was strengthened in the summer with the arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon, the latter two on loan.

The total transfer and loan fees involved were €204.4 million.

Player sales amounted to €55.4 million, meaning there was a net spend of €145 million, around £127 million at the current exchange rate.

As highlighted by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, the recently published annual report shows that the net spend was funded entirely by new loans.

Since the 30 June year end Manchester United borrowed £50m on 3 July, £50m on 3 August and £60m on 10 October. This takes total gross debt to £773 million. #MUFC #Glazernomics pic.twitter.com/P15iF2cYKl

— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) October 28, 2023

The report shows that loans totalling £130 million, comprising £50 million in July, £45 million in August and £35 million in October, were taken out.

These loans have increased the club’s overall debt to a whopping £773 million.

Even more concerning is that the new loans have left United with just £40 million remaining in their revolving credit facilities.

These are pre-agreed credit facilities from Bank of America and Santander for a total of £300 million, essentially equivalent to the club’s credit card limit. £260 million of that £300m credit facility has now been spent.

What is unclear at this stage is whether the Glazers would be able to secure any other type of loan elsewhere once their revolving credit line is exhausted.

If not, they are essentially close to being “maxed out”, which in turn would mean there would be zero transfer budget available for Ten Hag until the club is sold or refinanced in some way.

It remains to be seen whether the potential investment into the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe of some £1.3bn will go ahead and if so, how much of that will be put into the football coffers to allow transfer business to continue and how much, if any, will be used to reduce the debt.

The post Manchester United took out three new loans since July as credit runs short appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Manchester United takeover saga looks to be reaching a conclusion for the foreseeable future with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid for a 25% stake in the club close to being accepted by the Glazers.

Much to fans dismay, the much-maligned Glazer family are set to stay in situ at Old Trafford but the new investment will be welcomed.

Sir Jim reportedly has plans to revamp the sporting structure at United which could mean some further new faces making decisions at the club.

As reported by The Mirror, Chief executive Richard Arnold is one of those tipped to leave his role with Ratcliffe’s trusted ally Jean-Claude Blanc ready to step in.

Blanc would join the ranks at United with strong pedigree in his arena, having worked with European giants Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain previously.

The Frenchman worked as chairman of the board at Juve and as well as having a spell as CEO in Turin. He was also part of the team that oversaw the move to the club’s current home of the Allianz Stadium.

Having achieved fine work in Italy, PSG offered Blanc the chance to return to his homeland where he worked up until late last year when Ratcliffe came knocking.

Blanc left Paris to oversee the sports portfolio of Ratcliffe’s INEOS group which includes football clubs Nice and Lausanne-Sport. He also has involvement with other sports in the group such as Cycling and Formula 1.

The 60-year-old also boasts previous roles in the Olympic Games, French Open tennis and the Tour de France, so would bring a wealth of experience to the role at United.

Blanc is said to be more focussed on the branding and marketing side of the business but his pedigree in his field is beyond doubt.

Since working at INEOS Blanc has won many admirers, with one unnamed team member heaping praise on the Frenchman’s qualities.

“He is brilliant. He is a super pro who is excellent in building relationships. His arrival is fantastic for us.” the INEOS team member told L’Equipe (via the Mirror).

The introduction of Blanc is set to be one of many planned by Ratcliffe who will be desperate to change the fortunes of the team he’s supported all his life.

United are yet to officially confirm Sir Jim’s stake in the club but an announcement is expected in the coming weeks after his only real competitor, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, pulled out of race to buy the club outright.

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