After almost a full year of uncertainty, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to finalise his purchase 25% stake in Manchester United Football Club, and there are already some serious rumblings about big names he might be bringing on board.
While full confirmation of the purchase is yet to be verified, Sky News is reporting that after months of talks between Man United and Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, the Failsworth-born businessman and the current Glazer ownership are soon to agree on a $33-a-share deal.
It said that Sir Jim and his INEOS Sports arm plan to acquire 25% of both the listed A-shares and the B-shares, which carry greater voting rights on the board and, at present, are held exclusively by the Glazer family
Although this partial purchase will obviously see the Glazers still firmly intertwined with the club, the majority of fans will no doubt be pleased to hear that there is finally some movement and relinquishing of control after 18 years of unrest.
BREAKING: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Sports could announce a deal to buy their 25% of Manchester United today 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eIgLzAakuJ
Ratcliffe’s stake in United could be confirmed any day now.
Sources have claimed that the current owners are keen to complete the deal before the Thanksgiving holiday with some of those close to the deal suggesting that it could be wrapped up as soon as Monday, 20 November with a provisional announcement even more imminent.
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In addition to the estimated $1 billion the petrochemical tycoon will be spending to acquire his stake in the club, it is thought that he will also be setting aside roughly £245m to improve the club’s infrastructure — updating Old Trafford being a top priority.
Former frontrunner in the potential United takeover, Shiekh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, also promised to redevelop the stadium as well as huge investments in the squad and training complexes, all whilst wiping the club’s debt.
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Although Ratcliffe’s initial outlay won’t come anywhere near the Qatari royal’s state-funded vision for the club, having walked away from the deal after failing to meet the Glazers’ ever-changing asking price, the 71-year-old has insisted the purchase of shares will be with his own money and that he will not add any more to United’s current borrowings (roughly £969.6m back in March).
Moreover, perhaps one of the most interesting parts about Ratcliffe’s prospective share purchase is the names that are already being linked with the club should the deal go through.
After CEO Richard Arnold left the club earlier this week, with general counsel Patrick Stewart (not that one) stepping in as interim as they search for a full-time replacement, there is now lots of talk about further shake-ups amongst the board.
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According to The Telegraph, not only is Sir Alex Ferguson set to consult and help guide Sir Jim during his overhaul of the club but names that have been floated as a potential new sporting director include Spurs’ former head of recruitment Paul Mitchell and, believe it or not, football legend Paolo Maldini.
Only time will tell whether there’s any real substance in Maldini’s consideration or whether he’s simply on United’s list but despite being sacked from his role at AC Milan back in June, it would still be a big name with some serious pedigree to help kick off Ratcliffe’s impending era.
While Freedman is thought to be admired by Sir Alex Ferguson, it is understood that Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, former AC Milan pair Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, and Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta are also under consideration.
Tommy Fury announces return to boxing after his ‘hardest battle’ yet
Danny Jones
Manc boxer Tommy Fury has announced his return to the ring later this year, although he’s still keeping tight-lipped about some of the finer detailsabout his next fight.
Tommy Fury has been stuck on the sidelines for the best part of the last two years following his last boxing match against influencer and musician KSI, having reluctantly stepped away from boxing through injury and well-publicised personal issues outside of the sport.
He ultimately pulled out of his intended comeback against Darren Till ahead of what looked to be an already fraught face-off, and his been quiet on the competitive front ever since – until now.
Revealing a scheduled date for the next fight, the 25-year-old took to social media to confirm that he will be back very soon but is withholding some of the particulars for now.
Writing in the caption, the younger Fury brother said: “Two years out. One surgery. The hardest battle I’ve faced has been the mental battle of being away from boxing. But I’m back stronger, sharper, and more HUNGARY than ever.”
However, the most notable omission is who he will actually be taking on, i.e. one of the main reasons fight fans would be interested in the first place.
Although many have been left frustrated by the infrequency of his fights due to multiple cancellations, it’s clearly a concerted effort to build anticipation ahead of the event.
Sharing the date for his Budapest bout – which is coming much sooner than many would have expected (Friday, 9 May) – he signed off by adding: “It’s showtime. Let’s go!”
Besides the social media post, the local fighter published a lengthy announcement video/teaser trailer on the official Tommy Fury YouTube channel on Monday night, in which he states, “the contract has literally just been signed as we speak”.
You can watch the feature in full down below:
In truth, the majority of the video is about brand deals, but it does show getting some training done.
Hyping up his undefeated record, with 10 wins to his name thus far in his still fairly fledgling boxing career, he goes on to say he is “over the moon” and ready to get back in business.
Only time will tell whether this fight will actually go ahead as his followers have gotten more than used to seeing his matches postponed or cancelled. First and foremost, who do you think his comeback opponent is gong to be?
His name has mostly been in the headlines due to his high-profile relationship with fellow famous face Molly Mae-Hague.
The couple, who first met on Love Island back in 2019, welcomed their first child, Bambi, back in January 2023 but went on to split up last August. A docuseries covering their struggles dropped at the start of this year.
Featured Images — Screenshot (via YouTube)/Ghazi Twaissi (via WikiCommons)/The Manc Group
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Belle Vue manager warns of former Aces ahead of Premiership clash
Danny Jones
Belle Vue Aces boss and Aussie speedway legend Mark Lemon has warned his side of Oxford Spires’ quality ahead of their face-off in the Premiership, especially as they prepare to come against some ex-ATPI employees.
With a ROWE Motor Oil Premiership round coming up on Monday night (14 April) and the Aces second in the table with five early points total on the board already, the CEO, Director and Team Manager isn’t underestimating the southern opponents.
Even though Oxford have had a tough start to the season, the Manchester racers can’t afford to be complacent, and Lemon has already identified some key threats on the track, including two former Aces.
It’ll be a thrilling night at the National Speedway Stadium (NSS), as always.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼…
♣️ ATPI Aces v Oxford Spires ⛪️ 🗓️ Monday, April 14, 7.30pm. 🏆 Premiership R1. 🏟️ National Speedway Stadium. 🎟️ Get ticket now: https://t.co/DREWNjxB09 🍴 Hospitality: https://t.co/RFS3gcPD99
Speaking on Sunday ahead of the races, the 52-year-old said: “I know it’s a cliche, but there really aren’t any easy meetings in the Premiership.
“We know what Oxford’s riders are capable of; Rohan [Tungate] and Charles [Wright] can be very good at the National Speedway Stadium, and that makes them dangerous.
“When you add in the likes of [Maciej] Janowski, Erik Riss and guest Dan Thompson, [Oxford Spires] are a strong side.”
33-year-old ‘Magic’ Janoswki from Poland is not only a former world number three but has four FIM Speedway World Cup gold medals to his name.
Nevertheless, the Aces have bounced back after a disappointing 50-40 defeat in the KO Cup by Ipswich Witches to record a double over King’s Lynn Stars, with a narrow loss against Leicester still showing plenty of fight and promise for the rest of the campaign.
Belle Vue Aces’ Jaimon Lidsey pushing hard against King’s Lynn – here’s hoping for more of that against Oxford. (Credit: Taylor Lanning)
Lemon went on to assure that he remains confident, however, adding: “We’re settling back into a routine. It was good that all the boys are getting confidence-building scores.
“Zach Cook, Norick Blodorn and Jake Mulford have all started winning key races and scoring well. Tate Zischke is also solving some bike issues.
“As I’ve said before, at this time of the season, it’s about building momentum. That’s the target.”
The Aces get underway against the Spires at the NSS just down the road in Gorton from 7:30pm – best of luck to all those at Belle Vue.
Danny Jones -
17th November 2023 
