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Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks for first time since Manchester United deal is announced

Ratcliffe speaks for first time since Man United deal is announced
© Reuters
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals his excitement at his imminent arrival as a minority shareholder of Manchester United, with the 71-year-old at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed his excitement at his imminent arrival as a minority shareholder of Manchester United.

On Christmas Eve, it was confirmed that the 71-year-old, who is the owner and founder of the INEOS Group, had agreed a deal to purchase 25% of the Red Devils.

Ratcliffe is at Old Trafford for Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur, and he spoke ahead of the clash with Ange Postecoglou's side, confirming that a move is set to be officially ratified by the Premier League in "early to mid-February".

In a short briefing with journalists in the media room at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe said: "It's the first match for me since we got here. I am very excited to be here, but I can't answer any questions really. It's a big match. We normally do well against Spurs."

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe is pictured at Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain, March 17, 2023© Reuters

When asked whether this was the most exciting thing he had done in business, he added: "Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things but there is no question.

"It's taken a few turns, as you know, but these things take some doing. (It will be completed) early to mid-February. Hopefully we don't find anything dodgy!"

Ratcliffe also revealed that he is planning to be a regular at Old Trafford but will not be able to be at every home match due to other commitments.

"I can't come all the time because I have some other things. But I will come," he added.

Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe before the match on April 20, 2023© Reuters

Man United's squad against Tottenham has been boosted by the returns of long-term absentees Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, with the pair out since September and November respectively.

Antony is also in the squad, having recovered from a minor hamstring issue, while there is a return in midfield for Christian Eriksen, who did not feature against Wigan Athletic on Monday due to illness.

Rasmus Hojlund will again lead the line for the Red Devils on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho operating in the wide positions.

Anthony Martial is again missing, and the team's lack of options at centre-forward have led to claims that Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema could arrive on loan for the second half of the campaign.

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