Manchester United have announced a major new partnership with the Ineos Group, the chemicals company owned by British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe, a lifelong Manchester United fan, has agreed to acquire a 25% stake in the club and will invest £236 million to fund infrastructure improvements at Old Trafford.
The deal will see Ineos assume delegated responsibility for Manchester United’s football operations, including the men’s and women’s professional teams and youth academies. Ineos will also gain two seats on the Manchester United PLC and Manchester United Football Club boards.
Ratcliffe emphasised his commitment to restoring Manchester United to its former glories after a decade of relative underperformance on the pitch. “Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football,” he said.
The deal remains subject to customary regulatory approvals but is expected to be completed soon. It marks the latest move by Ratcliffe and Ineos into the world of sport after its ownership of elite cycling Team Ineos and French football club OGC Nice.
For Manchester United, the capital injection provides funds to improve its iconic but ageing Old Trafford stadium. Meanwhile, Ineos brings technical expertise and sporting experience many fans hope can lift the club out of its current struggles.
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