Man United takeover: Jim Ratcliffe to invest more money than Sheikh Jassim offered

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly provide more funds into Manchester United than Sheikh Jassim, despite purchasing only a 25% stake in the club.

The takeover which is expected to be announced by next week, will see Ratcliffe take a minority position but with serious influence over the club’s sporting department.

INEOS, Ratcliffe’s company, will collaborate with Joel Glazer to form a committee overseeing the club’s sports strategy.

The Sun UK said Ratcliffe plans to invest £245 million from his personal funds this year, with a total expected investment of £1.6 billion to enhance facilities like Carrington training ground and support the academy and both first-teams.

In contrast, Sheikh Jassim, the main bidding rival, had proposed a £1.4 billion investment, but withdrew from the process due to fee disagreements with the Glazers and the insistence on a 100% stake.

Ratcliffe aims to complete the takeover by January, with a focus on financial management and possible appointment of a new sporting director, with Paul Mitchell among the top contenders.