Thursday, August 27, 2026
The FOS App Launches September 1 Pre-save on the App Store Today

Ratcliffe Could Run Man United Operations With Minority Stake

  • Jim Ratcliffe could acquire a 25% minority stake in Manchester United this week.
  • The British billionaire could get control of soccer operations under the deal.
Manchester United players Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford
Manchester United

Disgruntled Manchester United fans might not get the Glazer family to sell the Premier League club outright — but there could be some key changes to the team’s day-to-day structure.

As part of Jim Ratcliffe’s proposal to buy a 25% minority stake in Manchester United for north of $1.5 billion, the British billionaire reportedly is looking to have full control of the club’s soccer operations. Ratcliffe wants the power to appoint his own decision-makers for on-field team operations.

Manchester United is currently 10th in the EPL table and bottom of its four-team group in the UEFA Champions League, having lost the first two of six matches in group play.

Off The Field

Additionally, Ratcliffe could look to have representatives from his chemicals company INEOS on Manchester United’s board. For now, Ratcliffe isn’t seeking control of Manchester United’s commercial decisions — including recent record deals with Adidas and American tech company Qualcomm totaling nearly $200 million annually.

While the purchase of one-fourth of Manchester United — valued at more than $6 billion as part of the deal — could be the first step in an eventual full takeover of the club from the Glazers, there appears to be no official timeline discussed for such a move.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.

Peacock Turns Profit 6 Years After Launch—With World Cup Bump

The streaming service reached a long-awaited “milestone.”

Curaçao’s World Cup Goalie Eloy Room Puts Spotlight on the USL

Eloy Room plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship.

Tottenham Boardroom Rivalry Ends With Former Chairman’s Exit

Spurs say they “don’t know anything about” the deal.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/27/26 – NFL Pro Bowl Eliminated, Walter Not Selling Dodgers, Jordan Skips NBC

0:00

Featured Today

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
Aug 25, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers (16) and San Francisco Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (0) celebrate after scoring against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Oracle Park.
Exclusive

Kalshi Incorrectly Claimed Deals With Giants, Braves Were Exclusive

The prediction-market platform says the mistake was an accident.
August 25, 2026

What’s Next for Jed York After Prostitution Arrest?

The NFL and 49ers could take action.
August 26, 2026

NFL Owners Unanimously Approve Seahawks Sale

The Khosla family’s deal was officially ratified Wednesday.
Sponsored

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
August 25, 2026

WNBA’s Sky Ban Kanter Freedom From Arena Indefinitely

Sky owner Michael Alter denounced the actions of the former NBA player.
August 25, 2026

Kalshi Lands 5 MLB Teams as Prediction-Market Boom Continues

Other teams are maintaining distance from the industry.
Aug 24, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) reacts after striking out during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park.
August 25, 2026

Padres Will ‘Live Within Our Means,’ New Owners Say

The Padres rank seventh in the league in luxury tax payroll.
August 23, 2026

‘Natural Next Step’: Brenda Song Takes Rams Fandom to Broadcast Booth

The actress has become an increasingly visible Rams ambassador.