'Truly awful' - Gary Neville slams Manchester United takeover update as Sir Jim Ratcliffe investment set to be finalised

Gary Neville has hit out at Manchester United's decision to announce Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment into the club on Christmas Eve.

Confirmation of Ratcliffe's 25 per cent stake in United looks set to be confirmed on Christmas Eve, the INEOS chief investing around £1.25billion into the club. It has been more than 13 months since the Glazer family announced plans for a strategic review, essentially paving the way for a takeover or minority investment.

Sir Jim initially opted for the former option but after lengthy negotiations with the Glazers, settled on a minority share. He will take charge of footballing operations at the club, however, and is expected to bring in several of his own men at Old Trafford.

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But the timing of the news has left United legend Neville unimpressed.

"Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end," Neville posted on X, formerly Twitter. "The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organisation would even think about it.

"Anyway all the very best to Jim Radcliffe [sic] and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch."

The news comes in the midst of a torrid campaign for United, who go into Christmas mired in eighth place in the Premier League following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at West Ham. Erik ten Hag's side have lost 13 games already this season, their highest tally come December 25 since 1930.

It is unclear how big an impact Sir Jim will have on the January transfer window, but United chiefs admitted earlier this week that they do not expect to be busy.