MANCHESTER, England: If British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is successful in his attempt to buy a minority stake in Manchester United, he could end up with a major say in the running of the underperforming club.
The owner of petrochemicals giant Ineos appears to be ready to invest in the storied English soccer club after rival Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar said over the weekend he was withdrawing from the bidding process.
Ratcliffe is trying to buy a 25 percent share of United and also wants to run soccer operations, a person with knowledge of the proposal told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
United’s American owners, the Glazer family, in November announced plans to seek outside investment that could have resulted in the sale of the 20-time English league champions.
Ratcliffe initially bid for the family’s controlling stake of about 69 percent, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim wanted 100 percent of the club.
With the process dragging on beyond an expected completion date of June, Ratcliffe has adjusted his offer and that could pave the way to him becoming a co-owner of the club he has supported since he was a child.
THE PROPOSAL
Ratcliffe’s bid would mean the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, remain in control of United. But if he is given responsibility of running the sporting side of the business, it would give him a real opportunity to improve the team’s performance on the field.
United has not won a league title since former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
United won the Champions League title in 2008, five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, five League Cups and the Europa League under the Glazers, but the vast majority of those trophies were won by Ferguson. United has won four trophies in 10 years since his retirement.
Ratcliffe reportedly still eventually wants to take complete control of the club over a staggered process, but that has not been confirmed.
Ratcliffe is one of Britain’s richest people and is said to be worth $15.1 billion. He previously tried to buy Chelsea and already owns French club Nice and cycling’s Team INEOS. He is one-third shareholder of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team and competes in the America’s Cup with sailing team INEOS Britannia.
THE RECRUITMENT
Despite spending about $2 billion on transfers in the past decade, United has been toppled as English soccer’s most dominant force. While rival Manchester City has been backed by the vast wealth of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, United has still been able to compete for the world’s leading players and has broken records to sign the likes of Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire.
But that hasn’t brought success, with many of United’s signings failing to live up to the expectations of leading the team back to the top.
There have been changes in recent years. Former executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has gone. The role of football director was introduced, with John Murtough appointed to that position, and Matt Hargreaves was recently hired to lead player negotiations.
The club believes its soccer operations department has been strengthened, pointing to the recent signings of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund as evidence of an improving recruitment policy.
Hojlund is considered among the best emerging strikers in Europe and was signed from Atalanta for 64 million pounds ($82 million).
Critics, however, would point to Hojlund joining Atalanta just a year earlier for a reported 20 million euros ($21.2 million) and Onana moving from Ajax to Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2022. United paid 51 million euros ($57 million) for the goalkeeper this year.
THE MANAGER
United manager Erik ten Hag has been backed by Murtough and United since he was hired last year.
The Dutchman has been allowed to bring in expensive signings like Brazil internationals Antony and Casemiro, as well as Hojlund, as he tries to overhaul the squad.
He enjoyed an impressive first season when winning the club’s first trophy in six years — the League Cup — and leading United back to the Champions League.
Ten Hag has also been backed over his disciplining of star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, while Maguire has been stripped of the captaincy and made a peripheral figure in the team after falling out of favor.
While fans have jeered as United has endured a difficult start to this season, losing six of its first 11 games, Ten Hag remains popular.
His record at Ajax when winning three league titles and two cups shows he can deliver success.
He is the club’s fifth permanent manager since Ferguson retired.
A policy of hiring and firing clearly hasn’t worked, but would Ratcliffe want to make his own appointment if in charge?
THE STADIUM
Old Trafford may be iconic, but it is in need of redevelopment. It remains the biggest club stadium in the country, but looks dated compared to Tottenham’s new ground, which regularly hosts NFL games.
Ratcliffe is reportedly offering about 1.3 billion pounds ($1.58 billion) for a minority stake, but it is not known how that money will be spent. Ratcliffe also reportedly wants to expand Old Trafford from 74,000 seats to 90,000.
It is not likely that stadium redevelopments would come under soccer operations, but it would be a meaningful change that would generate extra funds and also appeal to supporters.
Last year, United appointed stadium developers Populous to look at options for Old Trafford. While another possibility would be to rebuild the stadium, that would pose problems in terms of relocating the team during the building process and lost revenue as a result.
THE FANS
Manchester United’s supporters have long-campaigned to drive out the unpopular owners since the late Malcom Glazer bought the club for 790 million pounds (then about $1.4 billion) in 2005. Fans have been critical of the leveraged nature of the Glazers’ buyout that loaded debt onto the club, as well as a perceived lack of investment and the dividends taken out by the owners.
Many have called for the Glazers to be completely removed. The Manchester United Supporters Trust told the AP that propping the family up permanently would be a “nightmare scenario.”
Fans have continued to protest against the family and chants of “Glazers out” are regularly heard at games.
Ratcliffe, who was born in the Manchester area, has risked angering supporters by offering to buy a minority stake. But if he is successful in gaining control of soccer operations and oversees a period of success, he could help to placate them and ease tension around the club.
However, if United’s decline continues, he would be in danger of being a visible figure of blame.
Jim Ratcliffe could have a major say in Manchester United if he buys a minority stake in the club
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Jim Ratcliffe could have a major say in Manchester United if he buys a minority stake in the club

- The owner of petrochemicals giant Ineos appears to be ready to invest in the storied English soccer club
- Ratcliffe is trying to buy a 25 percent share of United and also wants to run soccer operations
Wimbledon pays tribute to Jota after Liverpool star’s death

- Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie
- “I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life,” he said
LONDON: Wimbledon paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s death as Portugal’s Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday.
Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie after the All England Club relaxed its strict all-white dress code to allow tributes to the Portugal forward.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain while traveling to catch a ferry to England ahead of the start of pre-season training.
The accident came just days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Cabral said he was driving to Wimbledon when he heard the news and praised Jota as “an idol, such an icon, such a good person.”
“I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me,” he said after losing with Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.
“I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.”
British doubles player Neal Skupski, a passionate Liverpool fan, had also brought a black armband for his match on Thursday but opted not to wear it.
He suggested he may wear one later in the tournament, saying: “Maybe in the next couple of days.”
Al-Hilal stars hitting new heights at FIFA Club World Cup

- In three of the Riyadh club’s four matches in the US, different Al-Hilal players have received the Man of the Match award
DUBAI: Whenever called upon, collectively and individually, Al-Hilal’s players have stepped up at just the right moments at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Not many teams concede three goals against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and live to tell the tale. But that is exactly what Al-Hilal did on June 30 with their incredible 4-3 win in the Round of 16.
In just a few short weeks, new coach Simone Inzaghi looks to have transformed the team tactically and mentally after a disappointing season that saw them relinquish the much-craved Saudi Pro League title.
Fans and analysts have praised the intricate passing style that Inzaghi’s team has displayed in their four matches, which have delivered two draws — including one against Real Madrid in Miami — and a win in the group stages, before the famous victory over the former Premier League champions.
What has been striking as well is the standout performance of several individuals, with different Al-Hilal players being awarded the Man of the Match in three of the four encounters.
Even in the one match they did not receive the award, the 1-1 draw against Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid on June 18, it could be argued that the outstanding player of the match was Salem Al-Dawsari, who gave debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold a difficult first half from the left wing. Instead, the vote went to Gonzalo Garcia.
The 0-0 draw with Red Bull Salzburg at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on June 22 saw Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou follow up his penalty-saving heroics in the opener with another outstanding performance, ensuring the Saudi team secured a point and went into the last matchday with all to play for.
Against Pachuca CF of Mexico on June 26 in Nashville, it was the turn of inspirational captain Al-Dawsari to be acclaimed with the Man of the Match award after scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win that saw Al-Hilal progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the epic win over Manchester City in Orlando was marked by a two-goal performance from Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo, who accepted the Man of the Match award in emotional circumstances.
Al-Hilal will now face Fluminense of Brazil on Friday evening in Orlando for a place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against either Palmeiras or Chelsea.
Who will be the next star to step up for the Blues?
Spain thrash grieving Portugal 5-0 in Women’s Euro clash

- Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022
- With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second
BERN, Switzerland: Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.
On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.
Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.
The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.
“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”
There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.
The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.
Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.
“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.
“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”
Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.
Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favorites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.
With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
‘Difficult day’ for Al-Hilal’s Portugal pair — Inzaghi

ORLANDO, US: Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi said the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota had impacted his team ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final against Fluminense on Friday.
The Saudi club’s full-back Joao Cancelo is a Portugal international and midfielder Ruben Neves was a team-mate of Jota with both the Portugal national team and at Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 28-year-old Jota died alongside his younger brother Andre after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames on Thursday.
“We all know it’s a sad day because of what happened to Diogo and Andre, unfortunately, these are things that shouldn’t happen, which happened,” said the Italian.
“As we are all aware, we have two Portuguese players, Ruben Neves and Cancelo, who were very close to the guys. Clearly today was a difficult day for everyone. We tried to work but clearly, the atmosphere today was not the same as other days. It was a tragedy,” he added.
Al-Hilal left-back Moteb Al-Alharbi said the team had tried to be supportive to the Portuguese pair.
“From the moment we woke up today we were shocked by the news. They are team-mates of his and we all felt the sadness but we were all around them. I also believe they will be ready although they have this shocking news,” he said.
“They were not at their best emotionally but I believe they will be focused for the game,” added Saudi winger Khalid Alghannam.
Chelsea agree deal to sign English winger Gittens from Dortmund

- The agreement was made at Fort Lauderdale, with contractual details still to be settled
- “Jamie Gittens’s career is an example of the development of top talents at Borussia,” Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said
LONDON: Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign English winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday, with the 20-year-old set to sign a seven-year contract in a move reportedly worth 55 million pounds ($75.02 million).
The clubs are currently in the United States for the Club World Cup, where they have both reached the quarter-final stage, and the agreement was made at Fort Lauderdale, with contractual details still to be settled.
Gittens joined Dortmund as a youth player in 2020 from Manchester City, making his senior debut in 2022, and has made 107 appearances for the German side in all competitions, scoring 17 goals.
“Jamie Gittens’s career is an example of the development of top talents at Borussia,” Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said in a club statement.
“We discovered Jamie very early, practically signed him for free, continuously developed him in our youth performance center, and also offered him playing time at the very highest level with the first team.
“Jamie has repaid the trust placed in him with commitment, performance, and goals.”
Chelsea are looking to strengthen their left wing after they opted not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan deal from Manchester United permanent.