Jim Ratcliffe ‘to complete £1.25bn Man Utd investment before Christmas’ but should fans expect much in their stockings?
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is reportedly set to complete his £1.25billion investment in Manchester United before Christmas.
But fans are being warned not to expect their stockings to be full of presents despite the billionaire’s arrival.
The Ineos chief and lifelong Red Devils supporter is stumping up the mega cash for a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club.
Talks have rumbled on for months but now the Daily Mail claim it could finally get over the line and announced this week in a big festive boost.
However, it will likely take between six and eight weeks for approval to come through.
And to make matters worse, the report adds that immediate big-name transfers and major improvements to Old Trafford are off the cards.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Ratcliffe wants to oversee a huge clearout at United – both in the dressing room and the boardroom.
Richard Arnold is already on his way out as the hunt for a new CEO continues with Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc and Dougie Freedman in line.
On the pitch, Antony and Anthony Martial as well as outcasts Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek could all be let go if deals can be agreed.
But due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, United cannot afford to stump up huge transfer fees to improve the squad in January – despite calls for improvements across the pitch after a stuttering season that has featured 12 defeats from 25 matches and an early Champions League exit.
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And in a further blow for hopeful Manchester United fans, work will not begin on updating the stadium just yet.
Part of the £1.25bn investment includes £250million dedicated to the infrastructure with Old Trafford now crumbling, decaying and leaking.
But while sorting out these problems remains a top priority for Ratcliffe, it is understood those plans are being shelved for the time being.
United employed architects to draw up various ways of improving Old Trafford – including a full demolition and rebuilding job.
But the prices of materials have soared over the last year, pushing up the costs of any construction work.
And it means the £250m would not even be enough just to replace the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.
Instead, the Mail report suggests Old Trafford could be given a “facelift”.
That may include some paintwork around the ground and improved executive suites which in turn will help to drive up much-needed corporate revenue.