Sir Jim Ratcliffe Goes “All-In” on Manchester United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Goes “All-In” on Manchester United
Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has signalled his intention to become the club’s sole proprietor
Ratcliffe is preparing to offload his French Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice
Now 72, Ratcliffe focus all his efforts on Old Trafford’s revival and the construction of a cutting-edge 100,000-seat stadium.
Sale of Nice to Fuel United Takeover
Ratcliffe purchased Nice for €100 million in 2019 but has long viewed it as secondary to his Manchester United project.
According to linforme.com, he has held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the first party to express formal interest in acquiring his shareholding.
By divesting from Nice, Ratcliffe aims to free capital and concentrate on increasing his United ownership beyond the current quarter share, with the ultimate goal of full control.
“I want to be fully committed to Manchester United, not split between two clubs,” ratified Ratcliffe’s ethos to United’s hierarchy.
Advantage United! ✅#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 1, 2025
Vision for a New Old Trafford
At the heart of Ratcliffe’s plan is an ultra-modern stadium estimated to cost over €2 billion. Designed to seat 100,000 fans, the venue will feature a vast canopy engineered to harvest rainwater and solar energy, while integrating a surrounding retail complex.
This sustainability-focused approach promises both environmental benefits and new revenue streams.
Air Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns
However, the stadium’s signature canopy relies on 200-metre support towers, a design choice that has alarmed local aviation authorities.
Executives at the nearby airport argue that the towers could impede flight paths and radar systems.
Manchester United and airport representatives are currently engaged in negotiations to mitigate air-safety risks while preserving Ratcliffe’s architectural vision.
Strategic Implications for United
Ratcliffe’s push for complete ownership comes amid a critical juncture for the club: on-pitch results have been inconsistent, and the stadium redevelopment is seen as pivotal to securing long-term financial stability.
Full control would allow Ratcliffe to streamline decision-making, accelerate transfer market investment and oversee stadium construction without shareholder friction.
“We need a single, bold vision to restore United to the summit of English and European football,” a source close to the United board explains.
