Manchester United expect to receive Premier League approval in the coming days for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to take a 25% stake in the club.Ratcliffe was in Manchester this week to pay tribute to the Busby Babes, but also had the opportunity to attend to other club matters.
MEN Sport understands he has held meetings at Old Trafford and Carrington as he prepares to take over.INEOS will begin work at United as it aims to return the club to elite status in both the UK and Europe.
With so much to prioritize, the future of Old Trafford is now at the forefront of discussion. The Old Trafford PlanThe “dream theater”, which has been neglected for a long time, is in need of a major reorganization. Reports emerged earlier this week that Ratcliffe would rather build a new stadium near Old Trafford than develop the existing stadium.
The INEOS founder believes fans will embrace the idea of a new stadium that won’t be too different from the current venue. But the Glazers believe Old Trafford should simply be repaired rather than demolished and replaced.Ironically, after years of opposition, most supporters seem to agree with America’s family on this point.
MEN Sport says: Ratcliffe has 22 chances to lead United into the 21st century. On the one hand, his intentions are good and building a new stadium could make financial sense. However, Old Trafford in its current form remains one of the most iconic stadiums in sport. If it breaks, part of United will die. With some of the world’s best stadiums closing their doors for good, the Reds would go a long way in bucking the trend. If he’s not careful, Ratcliffe could find himself in a civil war over how to get things done.
Fernandez’s future is in jeopardy United captain Bruno Fernandes could turn down a new contract after joining from INEOS, according to reports on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old has two years left on his current contract next summer but is believed to be keen to extend his stay. But Ratcliffe and his team-mates are understood to be reluctant to offer the older player a lucrative deal that could pave the way for Fernandes to leave next year.MEN Sport says: Fernandes proved his worth to the club on the day. His behavior on the pitch can be divisive, but his creativity is what United lack.
