Sir Jim Ratcliffe has claimed his involvement with Manchester United is the most exciting venture of his life and expects his deal for a 29 per cent stake in the club to be formally approved within the next month.
United take on Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday with Ratcliffe attending his first game since news of the £1.03 billion deal was announced on Christmas Eve.
The Ineos owner spoke to reporters in a brief exchange in the Old Trafford press room before the game and admitted taking a minority stake in his boyhood club was a dream come true.
Asked if it was as exciting as anything he has done, Ratcliffe said: “Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things but this caps it all. There’s no question about that.
“It’s the first match for me since we got here. I am very excited to be here. It’s a big match. We normally do well against Spurs.”
Ratcliffe, 71, said the deal was the realisation of an ambition he has held for “a few years”. “It’s taken a few turns as you know but these things take some doing,” he said.
The Glazers, who have agreed to hand Ratcliffe complete control of football operations as part of the agreement, have been severely criticised by fans for staying away from Old Trafford for the most part.
