INEOS Chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe outperforms Glazer family at Man Utd following personal intervention
Prospective Manchester United investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, recently met with members of the club’s supporters’ trust MUST, a move that is likely to be well-received by fans. Ratcliffe, who has been in England for the past few weeks, attended his first Red Devils match since announcing his agreement to buy a quarter of the Premier League club. He watched the game alongside Sir Alex Ferguson as United drew 2-2 with Tottenham. Ratcliffe is currently awaiting confirmation that he has passed the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test.
Ratcliffe has reportedly offered around £1.4 billion for up to 25% of United’s shareholdings. He is expected to bring significant changes to the club’s sporting department. The 71-year-old has already started making plans for his new role, having recently met with the under-fire manager Erik ten Hag, as well as members of the men’s and women’s first-team squads. He has now also met with representatives from MUST, the club’s fan advisory panel, and local civic leaders to discuss his plans. Topics of discussion in his meeting with local civic leaders included the potential redevelopment of Old Trafford and the club’s involvement within the local community.
Ratcliffe’s engagement with fan groups, such as MUST, is likely to be welcomed by the broader supporter base at United. MUST has been a vocal critic of the Glazer family, the current owners of the club, and has expressed frustration over their lack of communication with the fans. The Glazers have rarely spoken publicly about their ownership of Manchester United. Joel Glazer, one of the owners, stated in May 2021 that they needed to become “better listeners” following the European Super League controversy. However, regular meetings with supporters have not materialized, and fans have been frustrated by the lack of communication during the year-long takeover process.
MUST stated in December that while they welcome investment from Ratcliffe, who is known to be a United supporter, they remain skeptical due to the Glazers’ continued majority ownership of the club. They expressed mixed feelings, with some wishing Ratcliffe’s ownership stake was greater than the rumored 25%. They emphasized that as long as the Glazers remain in charge, United fans will maintain their skepticism and wait for tangible evidence of positive change.
