Jim Ratcliffe Manchester United deal imminent

Jim Ratcliffe could finalise a deal to become a minority shareholder at Manchester United during the upcoming international break.

Ratcliffe's Ineos Group is expected to pay in the region of £1.25billion for a 25% stake in the Old Trafford club, while also acquiring significant control over footballing operations.

There is no a firm timetable for the deal to be finalised, but it has been reported that it could come as early as next week, with Ineos optimistic it will be done before the Premier League campaign resumes on 25 November after the international break.

Reports that the deal could come as soon as Monday have, however, been dismissed as that is the date of Bobby Charlton’s funeral.

It is almost a year since the Glazer family announced, on 22 November, 2022, that they were considering "strategic alternatives" to help the club grow, which included consideration of a sale.

Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ratcliffe emerged from a large field of interested parties, and made offers in the region of £5bn for a complete takeover, but that fell short of the Glazer family’s valuation.

Sheikh Jassim then withdrew from the process last month, while Ratcliffe continued to pursue a minority shareholding which could later be increased.

The 71-year-old, who tried to buy Chelsea last year, grew up in the Manchester region and describes himself as a lifelong fan of United.

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The deal is expected to lead to a major shake up of United’s football operations. Dave Brailsford, the former