Romano provides latest update on Ratcliffe's Man Utd deal

Cameron Smith

27 Nov 2023 14:28 GMT
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has stressed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to become a 25% minority owner of Manchester United isn’t in danger, despite the drawn-out process of the deal.

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Ratcliffe, 71, is the CEO of Ineos, who currently own Ligue 1 side OGC Nice as well as professional cycling team Ineos Grenadiers.

Man Utd are set to become the latest sports team to benefit from Ratcliffe’s investment, with Mercedes AMG F1 Team also part-owned by the British billionaire.

Romano has now confirmed that Ratcliffe’s deal to become a minority owner at Old Trafford is not under threat, despite recent concerns.

What has Romano said?

In his latest YouTube video, Romano started by discussing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed new 25% stake at Man Utd.

“I’m receiving many questions about Sir Jim Ratcliffe and why the deal is not official yet,” he began. “From what I am told, this is not in danger at this stage, it’s just about the formal steps. But it is not in danger.

“The agreement, the verbal agreement, is set to become official between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers family for a 25% minority stake acquisition of Man Utd.

“So, the agreement is almost completed, it’s just about the formal steps and then Sir Jim Ratcliffe will bring a new CEO - as I told you a long time ago, Jean-Claude Blanc is the big favourite - and a new director of football.

Romano continued: “The idea is to change the process of signing players, selling players and taking care of the transfer market. Also, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will discuss [bringing] other positions into the club, but this is not in danger at this stage.

“[They are] waiting for the formal steps, but this is about when, not about if the deal will be completed. Everything is on track for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to become the new 25% stake minority holder at Man Utd,” the transfer expert concluded.