Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed 25% stake in Manchester United will reportedly have little impact on the club's ability to splash the cash in the transfer market.
Eleven months on from the Glazer family first opening the door to a full sale of the club, the drawn-out saga appears to be coming to an anti-climactic end.
INEOS chief Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani quickly emerged as the two leading candidates to oust the Glazers, whose stewardship has been fiercely protested since their 2005 takeover.
While Ratcliffe expressed his desire to purchase a minority stake with a view to a full takeover in the future, Sheikh Jassim outlined his intention to buy the club outright debt-free, making him the early favourite.
However, both suitors were left in the dark by the Glazers following a couple of rounds of bidding, as the American troupe were holding out for £6bn to relinquish control, and the process had apparently caused friction between members of the family, who had differing views over whether to green-light a full sale.
© Reuters
Sheikh Jassim's final offer of £5bn remained on the table for a short while, but the Qatari billionaire has now withdrawn from the process, leaving Ratcliffe as the sole bidder.
The 70-year-old is now on the cusp of buying a 25% stake in the club for around £1.3bn, which is expected to be approved by Man United chiefs later this week, according to The Guardian.
While Ratcliffe is also set to have a major say in the sporting side of the business, the report adds that Man United fans should not get excited about the prospect of a major spending spree in 2024.
As a minority investor, Ratcliffe's ability to provide monies for the Red Devils' transfer kitty would be restricted by Financial Fair Play regulations, but Erik ten Hag will have funds available next summer regardless.
Man United captured Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund on permanent deals in the summer transfer window, as well as bringing Jonny Evans back to the club on a one-year deal.
© Reuters
However, Onana has been heavily criticised for a number of error-strewn displays so far, while Mount and Hojlund have been sidelined with injuries during their earliest days at the club.
Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat's loan arrivals also strengthened the Red Devils' squad, although the latter has been forced into an unfamiliar left-back role in his first few matches.
Despite spending big on Onana, Mount and Hojlund, Man United sit 10th in the Premier League table with four wins and four defeats from their opening eight games, as well as losing their first two Champions League ties against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.
A new centre-back is expected to be a priority for the Red Devils next summer amid continued uncertainty over the future of former captain Harry Maguire, who has hinted that he will consider an exit if his playing situation does not improve.
Ben Knapton
