Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrival scheduled ahead of possible ‘three-man sacking’

It has almost been a full year since the Manchester United board announced it was looking at investment options.

Many fans had hoped for a full sale but Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s withdrawal from the takeover race in October left only Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the table. He had initially wanted a 69 per cent majority share but is instead set to take on just 25 per cent.

Reports suggest he will dish out £425m towards infrastructure development alongside his £1.3billion purchase, from which he will take sporting control of the club. The deal could be ratified soon and Ratcliffe is expected to conduct an audit of the club.

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Right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford did oversee one at OGC Nice, also owned by Ineos, in 2022, although the former British Cycling chief has slowly been withdrawing from the French club.

Here are the latest takeover headlines.

The United takeover saga appears to be nearing a conclusion as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on a deal to become a minority shareholder at the club.

While there is no firm timetable for the deal to be finalised, an announcement could come as early as next week, with Ineos optimistic it will be done before the Premier League campaign resumes on November 25 after the international break.

Reports that the deal could come as soon as Monday have, however, been dismissed as that is the date of Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral. The deal is expected to lead to a major shake-up of United’s football operations.

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United CEO Richard Arnold is widely thought to be at risk of being chopped once an audit is carried out, but the Sun claims