Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s £245m Infrastructure Pledge for Manchester United
Jim Ratcliffe to Take 25% Stake in Man United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire businessman, is reportedly planning to invest £245 million to revamp Manchester United’s aging infrastructure as part of his forthcoming acquisition of a 25% stake in the club.
Ratcliffe’s investment comes after Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani withdrew from the race to purchase the club.
Despite the Glazer family’s majority control at United, Ratcliffe is expected to take an active role in the club’s daily operations, focusing on enhancing the club’s infrastructure.
He is set to unveil his plans to invest £245 million in this project later this month.
This substantial investment is part of the deal for his 25% stake, and while the agreement awaits ratification, it is unlikely to delay the infusion of funds.
Ratcliffe is anticipated to provide most of the money to the club by year-end, funding the investment personally without adding to United’s existing debts.
The condition of United’s infrastructure has been a recurring issue of concern for players, pundits, and fans in recent years.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the club’s training facilities upon his return, claiming they remained unchanged since his departure in 2009.
Gary Neville has also criticized the lack of development at Old Trafford under the Glazer family, suggesting that the stadium is no longer the country’s best.
Neville highlighted issues such as leaking roofs, which led to Old Trafford being excluded from the list of venues to host Euro 2028 matches.
Neville believes that investments in the club’s facilities and infrastructure will translate into better on-field performance.
The investment aligns with Ratcliffe’s ambition to increase Old Trafford’s capacity from 76,000 to 90,000 and modernize the stadium’s appearance while enhancing the team’s training facilities.
This move could provide Manchester United with a much-needed boost during a challenging period when the club has faced difficulties on and off the pitch.
The club’s poor performance this season, with five losses in the first 10 league matches and an early exit from the Carabao Cup, has raised questions about the future of manager Erik ten Hag.
Ratcliffe’s investment might arrive at a crucial time as the club seeks to regain its form and momentum after a challenging period.