Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finalized the purchase of a minority stake in Manchester United.

The completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United represents a significant milestone in the club’s ownership and sets the stage for INEOS to take control of football operations at one of the most storied football clubs in the world.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder, chairman, and chief executive of INEOS, has acquired a notable portion of the club’s Class A and Class B shares, following the approval from the Premier League and Football Association. This move showcases Ratcliffe’s commitment to the sport and his strategic vision for Manchester United’s future.

Furthermore, the collaboration between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, and Avram Glazer underscores the co-ownership’s dedication to steering the club towards a prosperous future, with Joel Glazer expressing his anticipation of working closely with Sir Jim and Ineos Sport.

Notably, this development marks the culmination of a process that began with the Glazers’ announcement of a strategic review, leading to the potential sale of the club. Ratcliffe emerged as a leading figure in the pursuit of ownership, ultimately focusing on securing a substantial minority stake. The completion of this acquisition is the result of a meticulous seven-week process that involved navigating various complexities and engaging with the club at multiple levels.

As part of the strategic moves following the acquisition, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS has wasted no time in making key appointments, including the selection of Omar Berrada, formerly associated with Manchester City, as the new chief executive of Manchester United. Additionally, the potential move to bring in Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as part of the football operation further demonstrates INEOS’ proactive approach to shaping the club’s future.

The potential addition of Dan Ashworth, should the negotiations come to fruition, holds the promise of adding significant expertise to the club’s leadership. With ongoing discussions and the evolving landscape of football operations, the collaboration between INEOS, the Glazer family, and potential new appointees sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in Manchester United’s journey.

These developments illustrate the dynamics of club ownership, investment, and the strategic decision-making that can shape the trajectory of a football institution. As Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS chart their course within the rich tapestry of Manchester United’s history, the football world eagerly anticipates the impact of these strategic moves on both the club’s operations and its competitive endeavors.