While all attention was focused on the Champions League, Manchester United made an extremely important announcement. The club has just announced the partial purchase of the club for 27.7% by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. Another presence in the world of sport for the founder of the petrochemical group Ineos, after the buyout of the company Sky in cycling, the partial takeover of the Mercedes group in Formula 1, as well as the acquisition of Lausanne Sport then OGC Nice in football.

A buyout in the pipeline for a while

The transaction had been in rumors for several months, but was just validated last week by the Premier League and the English federation. Jim Ratcliffe expressed on the Red Devils website his honor and responsibility as co-owner: “Becoming co-owner of Manchester United is a great honor and comes with great responsibility. This marks the completion of the transaction, but it is only the start of our journey to return Manchester United to the pinnacle of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve these goals will accelerate from today. »

At 71, Jim Ratcliffe hoped to formalize his arrival in mid-February, and this step has now been taken with the approval of the English authorities. Although the Glazer family remains the majority shareholder, Ratcliffe and Ineos will take charge of the daily management of the sporting part of the club, the British will therefore play a vital role in the prosperity of Manchester United. Joel Glazer wished “ welcome Sir Jim as co-owner. I look forward to working closely with him and INEOS Sport to ensure a bright future for Manchester United. »