According to the Daily Telegraph, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a bid to take over Manchester United, which includes a demand to take control of transfers as soon as the takeover deal is agreed.
Ratcliffe’s INEOS firm wants to take a controlling stake in the club, allowing the possibility of the Glazer family staying on as minority shareholders.
If the deal is completed, Ratcliffe wants to take charge of recruitment immediately, rather than waiting until the sale process is finalized.
With the summer transfer window opening on June 10th, United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his squad and has already identified a new No. 9 as a top priority, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane emerging as a leading target. Additionally, up to 13 players are expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
However, Ratcliffe is not the only bidder for Manchester United. Global investment firm Carlyle is also in talks with the Glazers, while a Qatari group led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad is also in the running to take over the Premier League club.
If Ratcliffe’s bid is successful, he will take control of United’s transfer activities, a role currently held by the club’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward.
The Glazer family has come under significant criticism from United fans for their ownership of the club, and Ratcliffe’s bid could provide a fresh start for the Red Devils.