Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first plan for Man Utd revealed as British billionaire is set to buy 25% stake in club
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE plans to expand Old Trafford once he buys a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United.
The United board are set to approve Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion offer, which will see Ineos take over the football side of the club.
It comes after Sheikh Jassim pulled out of the running to buy the club outright, with Ratcliffe’s £5bn bid also rebuffed.
However the Ineos chief is set to purchase a stake in the club, which is the first step to the Brit taking over full control.
And as part of negotiations to buy 25 per cent of the club Ineos have agreed to set aside money to fund a redevelopment of Old Trafford, report The Times.
The Glazers have come under criticism for their failure to modernise the Theatre of Dreams with pundit Gary Neville amongst their biggest critics.
Fans have slammed the leaky roof which has left some supporters drenched during matches.
While the FA have not included Old Trafford as one of their stadiums to host Euro 2028.
Ineos reportedly plan to expand the stadium by around 15,000 seats to a capacity of 90,000.
Ratcliffe also wants to prioritise improving performances on the pitch, with the Red Devils suffering their worst start to a Premier League season after losing four of their opening seven games.
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all of the latest transfer and takeover news from Old Trafford
United legend Neville supports plans to renovate Old Trafford and he outlined what the new investors must do once they have a say in the running of the club.
He tweeted: “It’s worth setting out my non-negotiables on a takeover of Manchester United that I made over a year ago.
“1. A new sporting project.
“2. A new or redeveloped Old Trafford.
“3. A New training ground.
“4. Full redevelopment of the surrounding land to create a Manchester United World and amazing fan experience.
“5. Pay off the debt and stop taking dividends until the above is done.”
He then added his sixth in response to events in recent years, continuing: “6. The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game.
“Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the club’s values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the club’s public image.”