Jim Ratcliffe's potential Man Utd investment assessed | Football Digest
Unpopular Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer will reportedly remain in an important role at Old Trafford if Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his minority investment deal. Red Devils fans have been under the impression that Sir Jim’s proposal would represent a clean break with the Glazers, at least in terms of their influence over sporting decisions.
United supporters have staged regular protests against the Glazers, who have overseen a sharp decline in performances and major titles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure as manager in 2013.
Sir Jim risks severe backlash by thrashing out a deal which will keep the Glazers at Old Trafford – particularly with rival bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani previously hoping to oust them altogether with his own takeover proposal.
But a major say over sporting decisions is believed to be his ‘price for investing’, providing reassurance to United fans that the Glazers will no longer be in charge of calls which affect matters on the pitch.
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Sir Jim and his INEOS sidekick, Sir Dave Brailsford, are set to form part of a committee to oversee football matters. However, according to the Financial Times, Joel Glazer will also have a seat on the committee.
Widely expected to formalise the purchase of a 25-per-cent stake in United for around £1.3billion, Sir Jim will therefore have to form a healthy working relationship with the Glazer brothers to ensure a smooth day-to-day operation at Old Trafford.
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Siblings Joel and Avram are poised to remain in charge of United’s commercial operations, with Sir Jim commanding a comparatively smaller influence. Red Devils legend Gary Neville is among those to have voiced concerns about the deal in question, and whether it will necessarily lead to the club’s problems being answered.
“The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game,” read part of a lengthy statement posted on X. “Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the club’s values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the club’s public image.
“How does a minority stakeholder positively impact the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any impact on the above? It leaves more questions than answers.
“My preference is and always will be now for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact.”
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