Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'hoping Manchester United deal will be completed by Christmas'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 1d

Ratcliffe 'hoping Man United deal will be completed by Christmas'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes that his 25% purchase of Manchester United will be completed by Christmas, according to a report.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly hopeful that his 25% purchase of Manchester United will be completed by Christmas.

An announcement on the 71-year-old's arrival as a minority shareholder was expected to be made during the November international break, but there was a delay due to the complex nature of the deal.

According to The Mirror, the process is now reaching its final stages, and Ratcliffe is hopeful that he will be able to take over football operations at Old Trafford before Christmas.

The report claims that INEOS performance director Sir Dave Brailsford is set to make the move to the club, and he will play a leading role in the changes that will be made to the sporting department.

Richard Arnold's departure as CEO has already been confirmed, with Jean-Claude Blanc widely expected to arrive in that position once Ratcliffe's deal has been announced.

Former Paris Saint-Germain general manager and marketing executive Jean-Claude Blanc on April 7, 2019 © Reuters

Blanc worked for the French Tennis Federation as a chief executive before switching to football, and he has previously been the Juventus CEO and marketing executive of Paris Saint-Germain.

The 60-year-old is currently the chief executive of INEOS Sport, and it is believed that he will be Arnold's permanent replacement in the senior position.

John Murtough could remain as football director for now, but it is understood that a change will also be made in that position, with Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman regarded by many to be the frontrunner.

The role of director of football operations David Harrison is also in severe doubt, with Ratcliffe seemingly preparing to make a number of changes to what he views to be a failing department.

Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe before the match on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

Ratcliffe is said to be taking advice from Man United's legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson when it comes to his overhaul of the football side of the business.

At one stage, it appeared that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani would be completing a 100% takeover of Man United from the Glazer family.

However, the Qatari banker recently withdrew his offer due to his frustrations in dealing with the Glazers, who signalled last November that they were open to discussing a potential sale of the club.

Ratcliffe is coming in at initial 25%, but it is understood that the Brit wants to complete a staggered takeover in the coming years.

Man United will be back in Premier League action on Saturday evening following their 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the Champions League, facing a trip to St James' Park to take on Newcastle United.