Sir Alex Ferguson verdict on Sir Jim Ratcliffe as billionaire nears Man Utd deal
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has offered his two cents on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending arrival at Old Trafford.
The British billionaire is understood to be in the final stages of a £1.3billion deal that will see him acquire 25% of the Premier League giants. And big changes are already underway after it was confirmed last week that chief executive Richard Arnold is to leave the club by the end of 2023.
Having overseen a golden era of success during his 27-year tenure at the Red Devils helm, it will hurt Ferguson as much as any to have witnessed the club's decline over the past decade. And the Scot gave his early assessment of what might be expected with a new face entering the boardroom.
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Ferguson, in an interview courtesy of Gambling Zone, said: "I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does, but I am optimistic."
Many fans at Old Trafford had hoped for a total takeover of the club to bring an end to the Glazer family's involvement. However, the Americans are now seemingly set to extend their stay after Ratcliffe's offer of a minority purchase apparently appealed more.
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It's reportedly possible that Ratcliffe's share in the club will grow over time and eventually lead to a majority buy-out. However, that won't appease the many supporters who have campaigned for years to get the Glazers away from the helm.
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Ratcliffe has already enjoyed moderate success as owner of Ligue 1 outfit Nice, as well as having other sports investments in cycling, rugby and sailing. Soon after Arnold's departure from United was confirmed, it was reported football director John Murtough will follow him out of the exit, though that's yet to be made official.
Approval from one of the club's major figures before he's even step foot in the building is an early boon for Ratcliffe ahead of his stake being ratified. And fans will hope Ferguson's seal of approval could be the first spark to a resurgence at Old Trafford.
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