Ratcliffe insists Man Utd takeover completion is ‘just the beginning’ with two ‘objectives’ picked o

5aDi...JMGZ

21 Feb 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed a deal to buy a stake in Manchester United which will enable his Ineos company to take control of football operations at Old Trafford.
The Ineos founder, chairman and chief executive has completed his purchase of 25 per cent of the Club’s class B shares and 25 per cent of the club’s Class A shares.

The investment from Trawlers Ltd, a company owned completely by Ratcliffe, received Premier League and Football Association approval last week and was officially confirmed on Tuesday night.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.
“This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans.
“Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”
READ MORE: Mailbox… One Man Utd player sums up the madness and the magnificence
Ratcliffe has agreed to pay US dollars 33 (£26) per share for a quarter of the Class A shares, as well as paying that price for 25 per cent of the Class B shares held by the Glazer family. Each Class B shares confers 10 times as many votes as a Class A share.

Related video

Why Manchester United Could Be Banned From Next Season's Champions League

The deal was announced on Christmas Eve and the agreement to buy a 27.7 per cent stake in the club also includes investing an additional 300 million US dollars (£237m) into the club’s infrastructure, taking the total investment to £1.25billion.
United co-chairman Joel Glazer said: “I would like to welcome Sir Jim as co-owner and look forward to working closely with him and Ineos Sport to deliver a bright future for Manchester United.”
The billionaire Ratcliffe, who was born in Failsworth in Greater Manchester in October 1952 and says he was “around 10” when he first went to a United match, has been a frequent visitor as Ineos prepares to take responsibility for footballing operations at United.
Ratcliffe also attended the annual memorial for the Munich air disaster at Old Trafford on February 6.
Sir Dave Brailsford, Ineos’ director of sport, has also been a regular presence around the club and is expected to play a key role.

READ MORE: Man Utd won’t pay for Dan Ashworth? He’ll cost a quarter of an Antony…
United’s statement last month confirming the shock appointment of Manchester City’s Omar Berrada as chief executive stressed that approach.
The Red Devils have also been strongly linked with Dan Ashworth, who has left his role as sporting director at Newcastle and placed on garden leave by the Tyneside club.
The completion of the deal marks the conclusion of a saga which began back in November 2022 when the Glazers announced plans for a strategic review which could include the sale of the club.
Ratcliffe, along with Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, were the front-runners when it became apparent a full sale would be considered, but the latter withdrew last October.
Ratcliffe’s focus shifted to the purchase of a significant minority stake, which has finally been completed on Tuesday.

Robin Van Persie’s favourite Man Utd team-mates would make an unreal five-a-side team

Robin van Persie enjoyed a wonderful three-year spell with Manchester United. The Dutch forward has revealed who his five favourite team-mates were from his stint with the club.
During an interview with So Foot, the forward was asked to name his favourite team-mate from his time at Old Trafford and Van Persie managed to narrow it down to his favourite five.

These were the five United team-mates that Van Persie named in the interview as his personal favourites.

Nemanja Vidic

By the time Van Persie arrived at Old Trafford in 2012, Vidic was the club captain and he no doubt played a key role in helping the Dutch forward acclimatise to his new surroundings.
“Vidic was a warrior,” Van Persie said. “He put his head where normally it is scary to do so. He did anything to win.”
The duo only spent two seasons playing alongside one another, but they clearly built up a good relationship during that time. With Vidic at the back and Van Persie up front, United were a formidable force in 2012-13.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks on as they celebrate winning the Premier League.
© PA Images
QUIZ: Can you name Sir Alex Ferguson’s 30 most-used players at Man Utd?

Rio Ferdinand

Van Persie was also quick to shower Ferdinand with praise. They played alongside each other for two years and won the Premier League and Community Shield together.
“Ferdinand, he was more ‘elegant’, comfortable with the ball, strong in aerial play, good in long play,” Van Persie recognised.

The respect between the two players in clearly mutual as Ferdinand often talks about just how impactful the Ducth star was during his time in Manchester.
“He was actually a better player than I thought he was when he arrived at Manchester United – I had played against him many times vs Arsenal, so I knew he was good but not this good,” Ferdinand wrote on Facebook in 2015.
“As a player he is so silky to watch, great touch, can hold the ball up & bring others into play, timings of his runs, skills & a dream of a left foot….oh and he can finish!”

Ryan Giggs

By the time Van Persie arrived at United, Giggs was no longer at the peak of his powers, but he sure still knew how to influence a game.
When discussing the Welsh star, Van Persie said: “Giggs was the flamboyant player, always giving the impression of being in his comfort zone. Still in great shape at 39. He did yoga and lived football all the time.”

Giggs played the final two years of his career alongside RVP before he announced his retirement from the game in 2014.

Wayne Rooney

The chemistry between these two in the 2012-13 season was off the charts. In the Premier League alone, the pair scored a combined 38 goals to help United to the title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at the club.
“Rooney was impressive in his own style too. The guy was always full on,” Van Persie said when discussing the England forward.
The pair combined for some truly brilliant goals during their time together, including that ridiculous strike against Aston Villa.

Patrice Evra

During their two years together, Van Persie clearly built up a strong bond with the Frenchman. Also known for his persona off the pitch, Evra was one hell of a full-back during his heyday.
“Evra, who always spoke loudly to instil confidence in the team. Today, I know he makes ‘funny’ videos, but please do not believe that is all he is, as he’s also a super professional and a super-intelligent guy,” Van Persie revealed.
“He speaks five languages – even Korean. His mind is as strong as his body.”
READ NEXT: The amazing Premier League table since Kobbie Mainoo made his full Man Utd debut
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 28 Man Utd players to score 10+ goals in a Premier League season?

Manchester United have decided to no longer pursue a £43 million striker, with Liverpool now being considered as a potential alternative.

Manchester United have received information that they may be making a mistake that Liverpool could exploit.
With 10 goals and six assists in his 27 appearances this season, Joshua Zirkzee has been making a name for himself in Italy’s Serie A. However, it seems that the Old Trafford team may no longer be interested in the striker.

According to the Daily Express, Zirkzee’s impressive performances have caught the attention of several Premier League teams, including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Nevertheless, United seemed like the most likely destination, as Sport1 reported that Erik ten Hag is supposedly keen on signing the 22-year-old to bolster his attacking options.
However, recent reports from Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany suggest that United’s interest has diminished.
This could mean that other Premier League teams will have an opportunity to make a move for Zirkzee at the end of the current season, and Liverpool should be among them.
Thiago Motta, Zirkzee’s manager at Bologna, has spoken highly of the Dutch forward and likened him to Ronaldinho.
“He (Zirkzee) has mentioned Ibrahimović and Batistuta as his idols, who are both exceptional players.
“Watching him day by day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona, but I can’t compare him to anyone. He is Joshua, he is special, he enjoys his football, and above all, he works very hard in training.

Chelsea ‘fears’ eased as Brighton man ‘resigns’ to accept ‘senior role’ under Boehly and old boss

Brighton’s head of recruitment Sam Jewell has resigned from his role after accepting an offer to join Chelsea, the Seagulls have confirmed.
It was reported last week that Chelsea want to appoint Jewell ‘amid fears’ he would join Manchester United-bound director Dan Ashworth at Old Trafford.

Ashworth’s move from Newcastle United to the Red Devils is already having a domino effect on the Premier League with Jewell agreeing to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are reportedly looking at Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes as a replacement for Ashworth.
A report from David Ornstein says that Jewell will join Chelsea in November after serving his notice period on the south coast.
Ornstein’s report was quickly followed up by a statement from Brighton.
‘Sam Jewell has accepted a new position at Chelsea FC,’ the club statement read.
‘Sam has now commenced a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club.
‘With immediate effect, Mike Cave, assistant technical director, supported by George Holmes, scouting and intelligence manager, will assume Sam’s responsibilities.’
Mediawatch: Why Dan Ashworth won’t be missed by Newcastle United actually

Arsenal news: Loanee confident of Gunners future as John Barnes dismisses Premier League hopes

Arsenal kept up their impressive scoring form at the weekend as they hit Burnley for five - just six days after beating West Ham United 6-0.
It means the Gunners are just two points off top spot heading into the business end of the season. Trophies are a must for Mikel Arteta after some near misses and heavy investment in the squad. Arsenal will resume their Champions League ambitions on Tuesday night after several months away.

The north Londoners take on Porto in Portugal in the first-leg of their last 16 tie. Arsenal are fancied to go deep in Europe as they look to juggle several competitions.
Here's the latest from the Emirates.

Lokonga confident of Arsenal future

Albert Sambi Lokonga insists he hasn't spoken to Arteta whilst on loan at Luton Town but believes he can still make a mark in north London. The Belgian has now had several loan spells away after failing to establish himself as a starter.
His performances have continued to impress however and his display against Manchester United was further proof of his potential.
“I think it’s too early to say [what the future holds],” Lokonga told DH. “I haven’t had any contact with Mikel Arteta yet. I’m concentrating on Luton. We’ll talk to Arsenal at the end of the season.
“But everything will happen gradually. I still consider myself an Arsenal player. I’m appreciated there by the fans and the staff. I think I can have a future at Arsenal, but that will depend on my performances here. I’ve always said that as long as I have a contract with the Gunners, I’d like to make my mark there.”
Albert Sambi Lokonga has furthered his profile at Luton
© George Wood/Getty Images

Mbappe 'signs with Real'

Kylian Mbappe has put pen to paper on a mega-money five-year deal with Real Madrid after confirming he will leave PSG, according to reports.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and was expected to leave Paris on a free, which he confirmed last week. Real Madrid have long been tipped as his next destination, while Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest. It now looks as if Mbappe is closing in on a switch to the Bernabeu.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Mbappe has already signed his contract with Los Blancos. His deal will run until the summer of 2029 and it is understood they are willing to make him their highest-paid player.
John Barnes thinks it is Liverpool or Man City for the title
© PA

Barnes dismisses Arsenal chances

John Barnes believes the title race is a two-team battle as he dismissed Arsenal's chances. That is despite the Gunners sitting two points off leaders Liverpool and ahead of Manchester City, albeit they've played a game more. Arteta's side are aiming to end a two decade wait for a league success.

Barnes claims that Arsenal have to be on top form to land themselves three points - unlike their rivals. He told Premier League Productions: "‘Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now, I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool winning [this weekend] is going to put the pressure on. Man City will handle that pressure.
"City won’t get nervous that Liverpool are getting away from them because they are such an incredible team. Liverpool playing first will affect Arsenal but not Man City."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Arsenal ‘prepare bold £85m move’ for Premier League star as Osimhen hopes start to fade

Arsenal are preparing a summer offer for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, according to reports, amid claims Paris Saint-Germain will go all out for Victor Osimhen.
Reports have claimed in recent weeks that Mikel Arteta and Gunners sporting director Edu will make a new striker their top target in the summer transfer window.

There have been suggestions from pundits and former players that Arsenal will struggle to challenge for the Premier League title with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as their main two striker options.
But critics may have changed their minds in recent weeks with Arteta’s side scoring 21 goals in their last five Premier League matches, winning all the games in the process.
A number of players have been linked but Napoli striker Osimhen keeps coming up as one of their main options as it’s now likely he will leave Serie A in the summer.
However, Kylian Mbappe’s imminent departure from PSG is likely to throw a spanner in the works for Arsenal as the French side are now set to go all out for Osimhen in the next transfer window.
READ MORE: Big Midweek: Arsenal back in Champions League, Prem chance for Liverpool, Erling Haaland
There’s a possibility that Osimhen could prefer a move to the Premier League but the money on offer at PSG is likely to be far greater than the salary Arsenal are prepared to pay.