Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of Ineos, is reportedly considering to make an offer for Manchester United, and English soccer legend David Beckham is willing to speak with potential buyers of the Premier League team.
With an estimated net worth of US$13.3 billion, Ratcliffe—a United supporter—had his sights set on a summertime deal with the Red Devils, but the Glazer family informed him that the team was not for sale.
The owners of United, however, later declared this week that they were now considering “strategic alternatives” for the team, which might involve a sale.
Ratcliffe is anticipated to present a novel strategy, according to The Telegraph, even though he is not willing to overpay. It is estimated that the Glazers are attempting to acquire United for about UK£5 billion (US$6.1 billion). Earlier this year, the 70-year-old attempted to purchase Chelsea, but was unsuccessful in his bid against the Todd Boehly-led group for the London-based team.
Ratcliffe is serving as United’s financial advisor and has prior expertise with the investment banking firm The Raine Group. His Ineos firm already has a sizable sports portfolio. Regarding soccer, the French team Nice and the Swiss team Lausanne-Sport are owned by the chemicals firm. In addition, it owns a portion of the Mercedes Formula One team, acquired Team Sky in cycling, supported Ben Ainslie’s squad in the 2021 Americas Cup, collaborated with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), and provided funding for Eliud Kipchoge’s successful effort to complete a sub-two-hour marathon.
Ineos might not have to sell Nice if Ratcliffe purchases United, even if the two teams are prohibited from competing against one another in European championships by FIFA regulations.
Beckham is reportedly ready to join a group that wants to purchase United in the interim. The 47-year-old, who had a trophy-filled tenure at Old Trafford, might be called in by potential suitors to increase the likelihood that a trade is reached, the Financial Times reports.
SportPro declares…
Though it is early, prospective United buyers were always going to surface.
American investors—including those who were disappointed by Chelsea—may give it another go now that The Times has connected online behemoths Amazon and Meta to a deal. Although The Telegraph claims Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the owners of French soccer champions Paris Saint-Germain, have ruled themselves out, other state bidders like Bahrain, Dubai, or Kuwait might still be interested.
The Glazers’ choice to list United on the market was likely influenced by a number of factors, as SportsPro has already covered. The family’s decision may have been compelled by Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) announcement that it is open to considering bids for Liverpool. Since only a small number of organizations can truly afford either team, the Glazers cannot afford to let United’s bitter rivals Liverpool raise more money at United’s expense.
