Sir Jim Ratcliffe has left his position at Manchester United with immediate effect as new owners are preparing to take control of the club. This follows growing speculation regarding the Glazer family’s potential full sale of the club.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a prominent Qatari banker, has expressed his ambition to take full control of Manchester United. His Nine Two Foundation had previously submitted a bid to acquire the club in February 2023, aiming to restore its former glory by eradicating debt, investing heavily in both the men’s and women’s teams, and redeveloping Old Trafford. Despite missing out on ownership in the previous bidding process, Sheikh Jassim remains a dedicated supporter and may return to negotiations if the Glazers decide to sell their remaining shares in 2025.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group secured a 25% stake in the club in December 2023, but his tenure has been marked by significant challenges. Despite substantial investments in players and infrastructure, Manchester United has struggled on the pitch, sitting 15th in the league and falling short of Champions League qualification. The introduction of cost-cutting measures has led to dissatisfaction among fans and staff, with Ratcliffe’s management approach being compared to the criticized tenure of the Glazers.
As Manchester United’s future ownership remains in the spotlight, the club is set for a major change with the anticipated takeover by new owners.
