Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'investment timeline set'

Manchester United supporters are still awaiting official confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club.

Earlier this month, Ratcliffe became the favourite to join the United boardroom after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced he was to withdraw from the process citing the Glazers' valuation as the reason for this. Initially, the British billionaire was wanting to purchase a majority stake in the club worth 60 per cent.

However, Ratcliffe opted to restructure his proposal and is now looking to buy a 25 per cent minority stake, guaranteeing the Glazers will remain for the foreseeable future. Question marks now persist as to when this will be officially confirmed but reports suggest it could be soon.

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According to Football Insider, Ratcliffe's investment in United could be confirmed sooner rather than later. Their sources have indicated the INEOS man is on course to complete the first stage of his takeover within weeks and before New Year.

It is understood the 71-year-old will have no issues passing the Premier League's Owners and Directors’ Test and there are no concerns from the league's bosses regarding Ratcliffe's source of funds. Once final details have been agreed upon between Ratcliffe and the Glazers, the process should transition quickly from there, it is claimed.

As analysed by football finance expert Kieran Maguire on X, the Glazers' ownership of 'Class B' shares could 'delay, defer or prevent change of control' of United, according to the club's financial results. Responding to a fan in the comments section, this leaves power firmly in the hands of the Glazers.

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