Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed purchasing a stake in Manchester United is the most exciting thing he has ever done.
Ratcliffe and his INEOS company have agreed to buy a 25% stake in United, and the billionaire made his first visit to Old Trafford since this arrangement was announced for Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Ahead of kick-off, journalists were gathered in the press conference room as Ratcliffe spoke publicly for the first time since the agreement.
“It’s the first match for me since we sort of got there, if you like,” Ratcliffe said as he introduced himself. “I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions, really, because that would be inappropriate, honestly. It’s a big match…we normally do well against Spurs!”
Ratcliffe did, however, proceed to answer a few questions, the first of which was about whether joining United was more exciting than anything he’d ever done.
“Correct. Yes,” he replied. “I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There’s no question about that.”
The Premier League still need to approve of Ratcliffe and INEOS’ onboarding at United before they can officially take any control, and he gave an update on when this decision should be.
“I think it’s three or four weeks, early Feb,” he said. “I hope they don’t find anything dodgy on my CV!”
Ratcliffe would sit next to Sir Alex Ferguson for the 2-2 draw in which Erik ten Hag saw his side cede control of the game for the most part, and he briefly opened up on his previous discussions with the Dutchman.
“I have met Erik but it would be inappropriate to [say anything] until it’s all formalised,” Ratcliffe continued.
“It’s the first match for me since we got there and I am very excited to be here. I first came here when I was a kid. Quite young. I was 10 years old or something. It is 60 years ago.”
INEOS are involved in various sporting ventures across Formula 1, rugby, cycling and sailing, while they also own Ligue 1 side Nice, and Ratcliffe admitted he will not be able to attend every United home game.
“I can’t come all the time because I have got a few other things to manage. I will come quite a lot,” he said.
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