The Glazers could stay at Manchester United for many years to come despite finally selling 25 per cent of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to reports. The Red Devils confirmed on Sunday that Ratcliffe had reached an agreement to purchase a minority stake, with the INEOS chief set to take control of football matters at Old Trafford.
The news brought an overdue end to the months of speculation regarding a potential takeover at United, which had dominated the headlines for over a year. It was rumoured that Ratcliffe buying a 25 per cent stake would pave the way for him to purchase more shares from the Glazers in future, but it seems as though this will not be the case.
There is no clause in the deal that would require the Glazers to sell the rest of the club to Ratcliffe further down the line, according to The Telegraph. It means that there is no fixed end in sight to the American family’s reign at Old Trafford, allowing them to stay for as long as they want to.
Ratcliffe will reportedly have first refusal on any stock that is willingly put up for sale by the Glazers, but they will not be obliged to do so at any point. United fans have delivered a mixed reaction to the news of Ratcliffe’s minority investment, with many just wanting to see the Glazers leave given the club’s steady decline over the years.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust issued a firmly-worded statement on Sunday evening, in which they said they ‘remained sceptical’ about the ownership situation with the Glazers still running the club.
“During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our club,” the statement read. “When the so-called strategic review was announced nearly a year ago, it finally appeared that the sale of the club was on the horizon, potentially bringing the new investment and new direction MUFC so clearly needs.
“Against that backdrop, fans have very mixed feelings today. We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumoured 25 per cent. But with the Glazers still in charge, people should understand that United fans will remain sceptical and wait for the proof in the pudding.”
Ratcliffe is set to oversee sporting matters at United and will be responsible for trying to get the club back to its former heights with a hands-on approach. The INEOS CEO is thought to be keen on appointing a sporting director as one of his first priorities and has already identified Newcastle transfer guru Dan Ashworth as the man for the job, according to the Manchester Evening News.
It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe will be able to help turn the tide at United, who have been crying out for changes at boardroom level for a number of years. However, it seems that supporters will not be entirely satisfied until the Glazers decide to step away, which may not happen for a long while yet.
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