- Sir Jim Ratcliffe is awaiting confirmation of his deal to buy 25% of Man United
- He attended a business summit in Antwerp on Tuesday – and wore a red tie
- Rasmus Hojlund meant his chest goal. It was an act of genius – Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended a business summit in Antwerp on Tuesday, awaiting final confirmation that his £1.3 billion deal to buy 25 percent of Manchester United has gone through.
The deal was approved by the Premier League last week and full ratification is expected soon once the FA gives the go-ahead.
That seems like just a formality, and Ratcliffe appears ready for his new role as co-owner of United after wearing a red tie – the colors of the Red Devils – at the European Industry Summit ‘A Business Case for Europe’.
The event was organized by the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, with Ineos Chairman Ratcliffe pictured in discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
Ratcliffe also listened intently to key speeches at the summit.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended a business summit in Antwerp on Tuesday morning
He was seen talking to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (third from left) and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen (purple shirt)
Ratcliffe also listened intently to key speeches at the event – all while wearing a red tie
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The 71-year-old is still waiting for official confirmation of his deal to buy 25 percent of United, but he has wasted little time in getting started at Old Trafford.
After his investment was announced by the club on Christmas Eve, Ratcliffe met with United players and manager Erik ten Hag last month.
He also attended his first match after the announcement when the 13-time Premier League champions drew 2-2 against Tottenham on January 14.
The British billionaire has been working hard off the field as he tries to get United back to the top of English football.
United appointed highly rated Omar Berrada as their new CEO in January after luring him away from bitter rivals Manchester City.
Berrada will join the club this summer after being placed on gardening leave until the end of the season.
Ratcliffe is still waiting for final confirmation that his deal to buy a 25 percent stake in Man United has gone through
United have since moved to bring in a new sporting director and have set their sights on Dan Ashworth from Newcastle.
Ashworth, who previously flourished at the FA and Brighton, has also been placed on gardening leave after telling Newcastle he wants to leave the club.
His contract at St James’ Park runs until 2026 and United must now decide whether to agree compensation with the Magpies for an early termination of his contract, or whether to wait another two years for Ashworth.
A figure of £20 million has been touted and United are said to have balked at this, but they could now negotiate further in an attempt to reach a compromise with Newcastle.