Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictures speak volumes as Man Utd chief lays down the law to club staff

Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictures speak volumes as Man Utd chief lays down the law to club staff

WATCH NOW: Latest sports round-up as Sir Jim Ratcliffe meets Manchester United staff

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 05/01/2024

- 10:48

The billionaire has been seen at the Red Devils' training ground this week

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has met the Manchester United squad for the first time this week following his 25 per cent purchase of the club.

The British billionaire has been at the Carrington training ground with INEOS sidekick Sir Dave Brailsford, who has laid down the law to staff.


Ratcliffe was finally confirmed to have agreed to purchase a 25 per cent stake in United on Christmas Eve.

It brought an end to a long-running takeover saga at Old Trafford which began when the Glazers indicated they were open to sell in November 2022.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe met Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag this week

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Ratcliffe fought off Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, who failed with several bids to buy United outright.

His £1.25billion investment won't be ratified for a few more weeks.

However, Brailsford has been spotted in the crowd of United's last two matches against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

And it appears life-long fan Ratcliffe is also getting down to business too.

United have released pictures of Ratcliffe meeting players and staff at Carrington this week alongside Brailsford.

The images speak volumes, with the 71-year-old seen with a beaming smile in several shots as he greets manager Erik ten Hag, striker Rasmus Hojlund as well as women's players Katie Zelem, Millie Turner and Aoife Mannion.

Ratcliffe is also seen shaking hands with a true legend of United.

Kath Phipps has worked for United for over 55 years and is a receptionist at the club.

Phipps was given the League Managers Association's Service to Football award for the 2021/22 season, with David Beckham leading the tributes.

She welcomed Ratcliffe upon his arrival at Carrington as a new era begins.

The Daily Mail claims Ratcliffe and Brailsford issued a rallying cry to staff to restore the club to its former glory.

Former British Cycling chief Brailsford is said to have done most of the talking.

The pair have not formally addressed the United squad as a whole as they believe that is Ten Hag’s domain.

But they held several meetings, including a private chat between Ratcliffe and Ten Hag.

The Mail also claims Brailsford repeatedly laid down the law to the non-playing staff.

Brailsford used the term 'performance challenge' in reference to everyone pulling together in order to improve the club as a whole on and off the pitch.

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Sir Dave Brailsford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Rasmus Hojlund

Sir Dave Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were pictured greeting Rasmus Hojlund

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The INEOS duo expect the Premier League to ratify the purchase at some point next month.

They will then take control of the footballing department, with Ten Hag's future set to be safe for the time being.

Ten Hag spoke of positive talks with Ratcliffe this week and is excited for what the investment will bring.

The Dutchman said: "Very positive, I have to say. So many hours we sit together. On many issues we were on the same page.

"I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we’re looking forward to working with each other.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Katie Zelem and Millie Turner

Sir Jim Ratcliffe also met Manchester United's women players

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"We have to let it settle down. They’re just coming in, introducing themselves.

"They have good ideas; we have to see what we can integrate. In togetherness we will work but after one day you can’t tell that.

"They have given me a few [ideas], we have had our debates about strategies and I think we will come together."

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