Gary Neville invited to take up major role with Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s part takeover deal finally goes through
GARY NEVILLE has reportedly been invited by Manchester United to join a special committee that will help oversee the regeneration of Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in United was finally confirmed on Tuesday night.
The British billionaire spent over £1.3billion to buy a portion of the Red Devils.
And now he wants club legend Neville to help with plans to reinvigorate the area around Old Trafford.
Neville co-owns Hotel Football and University Academy 92, which neighbour the stadium.
According to The Times, Neville has had a series of meetings with Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, about the role.
The ex-England right back would be keen to give time to a project that will benefit the area and that near the Manchester ship canal.
However, it is believed he would reject the role if it conflicts with his punditry duties on Sky Sports.
Neville has been outspoken against the Glazers, the club’s majority owners, previously accusing them of a dereliction their duty to invest in the broken stadium.
Ratcliffe’s big money deal was passed by the Premier League last week and also received FA approval.
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The INEOS chief had already taken charge of football operations at the club.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust has praised Ratcliffe and his INEOS group for their ‘impressive start’ to life at the club, crediting them for ‘moving fast on recruitment and on fan engagement’.
Already he has been looking at plans to build a brand new ‘Wembley of the North’ to replace Old Trafford and make changes at the Carrington training ground.
He is now negotiating to release Dan Ashworth from his contract at Newcastle United to become United’s new Sporting Director.
Old Trafford was snubbed as one of the host stadia in the UK’s bid to host the 2028 European Championship.