10 November 2023 , 10:03
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United is set to finally be agreed during the international break.
Ratcliffe is set to buy a 25 percent stake at Old Trafford after months of negotiations, with the much-maligned Glazers set to remain as majority shareholders for the time being at least.
The British billionaire's INEOS group and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani had both been involved in the bidding process but were unable to meet the Glazers demands.
After amending an initial takeover bid from 69 percent shares to a minority stake, Ratcliffe now looks set to win the race and BBC reports a deal could be announced as early as next week.
Ratcliffe still has hopes of a full takeover in the future and it is suggested him becoming something of a silent partner was "impossible to imagine" at the start of the process.
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He is set to make £245m available for work on Old Trafford with Ratcliffe also expected to feature heavily in the football side of matters, raising doubts over the futures of Richard Arnold and John Murtough.
Ratcliffe is said to have expressed his concerns over some of United's transfer dealings in recent years and wants answers over why so many big-money arrivals have disappointed.
United's supporters are again set to protest against the Glazers at Saturday's home match against Luton, having hoped their stewardship would be brought to an end.
Steve Crompton, a spokesman for the 1958 fan group, said: "We believe the last 12 months has proved beyond any doubt that the Glazers only care about one thing – cold hard cash. They are not fit to be custodians of one of the world’s most iconic football institutions. But they cannot buy the love we hold for OUR club."
Erik ten Hag will be hopeful his side can bounce back after their midweek disappointment against Copenhagen, with United currently eighth in the Premier League and six points off the top four.