Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent purchase of a 25% stake in Manchester United, speculation continues abound on what the future might look like for the Red Devils.

Today, we´re exploring the backstory to the takeover, what changes Ratcliffe has planned, and whether fans' confidence is shared by those in the know. 

This article was written by MightyTips. Check our website for other exciting football content and our free daily football previews!

The Wilderness Years

Manchester United has seen its fair share of struggles in recent years. Disappointing results on the pitch, coupled with questionable financial decisions by the club's leadership, have created a growing rift between the club and its loyal fanbase. Years of subpar performances and the sense of a club stagnating have fueled a rising tide of discontent amongst supporters. 

The much-maligned Glazer family have taken the bulk of the fan's ire with the perception that the Americans prioritised financial gain over sporting success. Owners for almost 20 years, the club announced in 2022 that new investment would be sought out.

Badly in need of new energy and ideas, the decision to open the club up to potential investment was welcomed by the increasingly disconnected support. 

A Knight (in Red) Appears: Ratcliffe Injects Hope at Old Trafford

As Manchester United floundered, a familiar face emerged as a potential Red Knight. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a lifelong fan and accomplished businessman, stepped forward in late 2022 when the Glazers hinted at selling the club. 

After lengthy negotiations throughout 2023, Christmas Eve brought some festive cheer for 

United supporters. INEOS, Ratcliffe's company, secured a 25% stake in the Red Devils for a cool £1.3 billion. An additional £238 million has been earmarked for badly needed stadium upgrades.

Significantly, the deal handed INEOS control of sporting decisions – an unprecedented move during the Glazers' two-decade reign. While not the full takeover many fans craved, the promise of fresh investment and a shift in power dynamics has sparked renewed hope amongst a loyal but increasingly disenfranchised fanbase. 

Upon his arrival, Ratciffe revealed his objectives to take United back to to the top of world football.

“This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”

However, a note of caution remains. Despite the expected cash injection and promises of a rebuild, the Glazers retain ultimate control. Accusations of prioritising profits over the club's well-being continue to cloud their ownership. Can Ratcliffe turn the tide and restore Manchester United to its former glory, or will the Glazer era continue to cast a long shadow? Only time will tell.

Strategic vision and leadership changes

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United has sparked a flurry of speculation about potential appointees in the boardroom. Reports suggest that Ratcliffe is planning a massive summer rebuild with Dougie Freedman the new favourite to become Head of Recruitment, with significant signings expected at Old Trafford. 

Whether head coach Erik Ten Haag remains, has yet to be established with the Red Devils again seeming to go backwards after a promising first season under the Dutchman's tutelage. 

Despite renewed optimism in the red half of Manchester, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Ratcliffe's arrival. Will he have the final say on crucial decisions, or will the Glazer family's financial interests still hold sway? Only time will tell if Ratcliffe can enact real change or if the Glazers will continue to call the shots.

Neville and Keane welcome change

The news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stake purchase in Manchester United has generated a wave of reactions, with a mix of optimism and scepticism. Former players including Gary Neville and Roy Keane are among those to welcome the move, acknowledging the potential for positive change at Old Trafford.

Neville opined - “Jim Ratcliffe was born in Manchester and knows the area. I think there will be a lot of very happy Manchester United fans. He will want to do the right thing by the club – in fact, I am sure that he will”

Keane, while typically underwhelmed, also spoke of the need for new ideas at Old Trafford.

"Who knows," he said when asked what the 25 per cent stake taken on by Ineos would mean for United, "but it can’t be any worse than over the past few years in terms of decision-making upstairs regarding the recruitment, the fees they have been paying and the wages they have been handing out, so you hope there is a change in dynamic at the club, new opinions, but only time will tell”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United is a potential game-changer for the club. A passionate fan himself, his arrival at Old Trafford certainly offers a ray of hope after years of underachievement. However, a key question remains with the Glazer family still in control - Will Ratcliffe have the power to truly revive United's fortunes?

Only time will tell.

This is an abridged version of the article. Read more on Man United takeover and Jim Ratcliffe on MightyTips.