According to information received by 90min, INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, subject to approval from the club’s shareholders. There is a strong belief that this bid for a minority stake will be successful.
Upon completing the acquisition, Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to establish a new three-person leadership committee for the club. This committee will consist of himself, the current co-chairman of Manchester United, Joel Glazer, and cycling expert Sir Dave Brailsford.
Rory McIlroy, a lifelong Manchester United supporter who is also an investor in the Alpine Formula One team, expressed his desire to have been part of Ratcliffe’s purchase of a stake in the club. However, the opportunity did not arise for him.
McIlroy noted a shift in sports team ownership, where not only individuals with significant wealth but also sports stars have started using their resources strategically.
While McIlroy would have loved to own a small percentage of the club he passionately supported as a boy, no such opportunity has come his way thus far.
The golfer revealed that he had an opportunity to invest in one of Manchester United’s greatest rivals, Leeds United, but declined due to his strong allegiance to the Red Devils.
He mentioned other sports figures like Tom Brady and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas who have invested with the 49ers Group and own a share of Leeds United.
McIlroy expressed his excitement as a Manchester United fan about the possibilities that Sir Jim Ratcliffe could bring to the club with his strong track record.
He believes that if Ratcliffe is granted full sporting authority and decision-making power for the club, it could lead to exciting developments for the fans.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, aiming to introduce a new leadership committee at the club. Rory McIlroy, despite his desire to be part of the purchase, didn’t have the opportunity and expressed his enthusiasm for the future with Ratcliffe’s involvement.
He also mentioned turning down an investment opportunity with Leeds United due to his allegiance to Manchester United.
