Sir Jim Ratcliffe to step back from Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe formally entered Manchester United in February 2024, completing the purchase of an initial 27.7% stake from the Glazer family and taking full control of football operations at the club.

His investment formed part of a wider deal valued at approximately £1.25 billion, marking the most significant structural shift at Old Trafford since the Glazers’ takeover in 2005.

Since Ratcliffe’s arrival, United have undergone a major off-field reset, including changes to executive leadership, recruitment strategy, and long-term infrastructure planning.

INEOS-backed leadership has focused on financial discipline, sustainable squad building, and wage control, moving away from the high-risk spending model of previous regimes.

Across the transfer windows since Ratcliffe’s involvement began, United have committed well over £200 million in transfer spending while also prioritising younger, resale-value assets and contract efficiency.

Cost-control measures introduced under INEOS have extended beyond transfers, including operational restructuring and staff redundancies, which have drawn mixed reactions from supporters.

Manchester United remains central to Ratcliffe’s sporting portfolio, but they are not his only major sporting investment.

Through INEOS, Ratcliffe owns OGC Nice in Ligue 1, the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team (formerly Team Sky), and INEOS Britannia, the America’s Cup sailing team.

INEOS also holds a significant stake in Mercedes-AMG Formula One, further expanding Ratcliffe’s presence at the elite level of global sport.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s growing responsibilities away from football may soon demand more of his attention, potentially limiting his hands-on involvement at Manchester United for a period, according to Football Insider.

Ratcliffe is currently grappling with severe financial pressure at INEOS, the petrochemicals giant he founded in 1998, which is reportedly carrying debts in excess of £18 billion.

As chairman and chief executive of INEOS, Ratcliffe has attributed the group’s difficulties to a combination of rising global energy costs, trade tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump.

He may need to temporarily devote more time to resolving INEOS’ issues, though there is no suggestion this would immediately affect United’s own finances or day-to-day operations.

Earlier this year, Ratcliffe increased his stake in United to 28.9 per cent, injecting approximately £240 million into the club.