British petrochemicals group Ineos confirmed on Saturday it had also made a bid for Manchester United. Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose company owns OGC Nice and the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team among others, says he wants to defend the club’s interests. The businessman wants to compete with Qatar’s billions by capitalising on United’s cultural value.
“Football club management in England is at a crossroads,” the Ineos statement said. “We want to contribute to this new chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a model for a modern, progressive and fan-centric approach.”
A consortium led by Qatar’s Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani confirmed on Friday it was also interested in buying United. According to English media reports, the deal would be worth 6 billion euros. The American Glazer family has owned Manchester United since May 2005. In November last year, the family announced it was considering a sale.
Manchester United takeover latest on bids from Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad and local fan turned INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe #mufc @SkyNews https://t.co/KdrD6GJTxW pic.twitter.com/G2GCUBZKDX
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) February 18, 2023
Most Premier League clubs are foreign-owned. Only Brentford, Brighton, Tottenham and West Ham are still in English hands.
