Man United handed boost as billionaire completes payment which will strengthen club’s finances - report

Sir Jim Ratcliffe now owns 28.94% of Manchester United after a filing listed on the US Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed a £79 million ($100 million) payment, according to the Daily Mail.

The British billionaire agreed to invest £237m ($300m) in the Red Devils as part of the deal which saw him part with around £1.2 billion for 27.7% of the club a year ago, and £159m ($200m) was paid in February.

The £79m will not be available for spending by Man United head coach Ruben Amorim during the January transfer window and is only to strengthen the club’s finances and make funds available for investment in infrastructure.

The ownership of those 28.94% shares has now been transferred from Ratcliffe to his company INEOS, bringing Man United in line with the rest of the sports investments in his petrochemical company’s portfolio.

Ratcliffe wants to ensure new capital goes to areas of need and is not swallowed up by operating losses, which has seen him focus on reducing costs and increasing revenues to get the finances of the Old Trafford club in order.

The Red Devils are expected to make a few additions to their squad next month, but they may need to sell before buying.

Man United are open to parting with English forward Marcus Rashford when the January transfer window opens, and the 27-year-old has also expressed a willingness to move on.

However, whether they will get top dollar from suitors for him remains to be seen as his value has significantly plummeted in recent months following a huge drop in form.

The likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Antony and Victor Lindelof are expected to be moved on at the end of the season, which would help make much-needed transfer funds available as Amorim looks to strengthen his squad for 2025-26.

Article written by Alani .