Fans spot Glazers’ unusual request to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Man Utd takeover statement after he buys 25 per cent of club
MANCHESTER UNITED fans spotted some unusual wording in the statement about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover.
British billionaire Ratcliffe, 71, was confirmed as having purchased 25 per cent of the Red Devils on Sunday.
His minority stake means the Glazer family will remain in control at Old Trafford.
But Ratcliffe is now in charge of the “football operations” at the club as he turns his focus towards the on-field matters.
However, the wording of the statement revealed that the Man Utd board had asked Ratcliffe to assume control of the footballing side, rather than the businessman requesting it.
It read: “As part of the transaction, INEOS has accepted a request by the board to be delegated responsibility for the management of the club’s football operations.”
This led to much reaction on social media as some Man Utd fans took aim at the Glazers.
One said: “Haha. Basically the board and the Glazers know they can’t do it.”
Another added: “That’s just to save face.”
A third replied: “Fluffy words to make it sound like it was their idea, when in reality INEOS will have demanded control.”
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
While a fourth responded: “Fits with who the Glazers are and what they want from United. As much cash for as little effort and responsibility.”
And a fifth said: “Strange. Not sure on that one.”
Ratcliffe has purchased his 25 per cent stake for a huge £1.3billion.
He has already fired chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could follow suit.
Ex-Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman and Monaco transfer guru Paul Mitchell have emerged as possible replacements.
Meanwhile, cycling mastermind Sir David Brailsford is key to the takeover and he will join Ratcliffe in implementing an overhaul of the club’s transfer department.
Following the announcement, Ratcliffe said: “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club.
“Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
“We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion.
“We are committed to working with everyone at the club – the board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the club forward.
“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.”