Manchester United will be dealt the difficult task of beating Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford if they are to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
25.12.2023 - 14:21 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Celebrity investment in sports teams is en vogue right now and Manchester United could get their very own high-profile crossover after Sir Jim Ratcliffe was formally welcomed on board at Old Trafford.
Following a lengthy takeover process, the 71-year-old British billionaire and INEOS founder has rubber-stamped his 25 per cent minority purchase. Sir Jim will initially work alongside the much-maligned Glazer family.
However, while his £1.25billion investment does not represent the fully-fledged overhaul that most supporters had their hopes set on, there's scope for change in the way the club operates. But will there be more people brought in to widen United's already worldwide appeal and worth?
ALSO READ: Ratcliffe will make United a serious football club again
ALSO READ: Owners' and Directors' test explained after Ratcliffe investment
Basketball superstar LeBron James holds a small stake in the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) which owns Liverpool FC and United's very own David Beckham is the co-owner at MLS franchise Inter Miami. Beckham too has involvement alongside his fellow Class of 92 graduates including Gary Neville and Paul Scholes at nearby Salford City.
That's by no means an exhaustive list when it comes to cross-sporting or celebrity investment and four-time major-winning golfer Rory McIlroy has already outlined his dream to get involved at Old Trafford in some capacity. Should that ever come to fruition, he would emulate fellow golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas at Leeds United.
Speaking to Sky Sports last month, McIlroy said: "Sports team ownership used to be limited to private equity and people who had a ton of money. But now sports stars are becoming more savvy and using their money in the right way. I
Manchester United will be dealt the difficult task of beating Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford if they are to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
Incoming Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been warned not to replace Erik ten Hag with former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
Having completed a deal to acquire 25% of Manchester United for a $1.3bn (£1.02bn) sum on Christmas Eve, oversight on football matters at Old Trafford now belongs to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS sports team.
Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have dismissed suggestions that Alejandro Garnacho's wonder goal for Manchester United against Everton is the Premier League's greatest of all-time.
Manchester United head into this weekend preparing for their return to the FA Cup when they make the short journey to League One's Wigan Athletic.
Erling Haaland has taken to social media to show his support for Jadon Sancho, who is tipped to leave Manchester United this month. The duo played together at Borussia Dortmund for 18 months before Sancho departed for United in 2021 amid a £73m deal.
Change is on the horizon for Manchester United after what has been a challenging season so far.
Rio Ferdinand has been branded mad by Jermaine Jenas after predicting Manchester United will finish in the top four at the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag is confident Ineos's experience in other sporting fields will benefit Manchester United.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken more about the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford, saying he plans to sit down for talks with the new co-owner.
You do not become worth almost £30billion without ruffling a few feathers. Even when the average Joe buys a house, he or she is keen to put their stamp on the place. Knock a wall down or paint the door a different colour if you have to.
Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were the names the Old Trafford crowd were chanting at full-time after Manchester United staged a comeback to beat Aston Villa 3-2.
INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford has attended Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play their first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent minority investment was confirmed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reached out to Manchester United fans after stepping on board at Old Trafford.
Manchester United fans were elated to read confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment but a player of his at OGC Nice has sent a concerning warning.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now achieving one of his long-term objectives. The INEOS founder and boyhood Manchester United supporter has acquired a 25 per cent stake in the Reds, tasked with the responsibility of lifting the club from the doldrums they have found themselves in for the past 10 years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally managed to complete his minority acquisition of Manchester United, subject to the deal gaining approval.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has vowed to return Manchester United to the top of English, European and world football after officially becoming a minority shareholder at the club.
Avram and Joel Glazer have said they are 'delighted' to have agreed a deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to acquire 25 per cent of Manchester United.
INEOS Sport has officially announced that it has agreed to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United.