Manchester United ownership saga takes new twist as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s future thrown into doubt
The ownership turmoil at Manchester United has taken yet another dramatic turn amid reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be preparing to walk away from the club — less than a year after securing his minority stake. The speculation coincides with growing claims that Saudi sports chief Turki Alalshikh is in advanced talks to mount a full takeover of the Premier League giants.
On Wednesday night, Alalshikh sent shockwaves through social media with a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter), hinting at major changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
“The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners,”
he wrote, a message that immediately ignited fierce debate among fans and pundits alike.
Ratcliffe, who completed a £1 billion deal for a 27.7% stake in the club last year, was initially seen as the figure who could steer United away from the unpopular Glazer regime. But according to insiders, cracks have begun to appear just months into his tenure.
Mounting pressure on Ratcliffe
Veteran journalist Chris Blackhurst, author of The World’s Biggest Cash Machine, added weight to the rumours on Sky Sports, suggesting Ratcliffe could indeed walk away.
“He’s got problems,” Blackhurst explained. “INEOS, his main chemicals company, isn’t performing well, and none of his sports ventures — cycling, rugby, Formula 1, or football — have truly delivered. If the abuse continues, I can see him stepping back.”
Ratcliffe has previously admitted he wouldn’t tolerate the level of hostility that has long surrounded the Glazer family. Speaking to the BBC earlier this year, he said:
“I can put up with being unpopular for a while, but I’m no different from anyone else. If it ever reaches the level the Glazers faced, I’d have to say, ‘enough’s enough.’”
He also acknowledged the personal toll of his role since joining the club, noting that while the Glazers have retreated from public view, he has been left to face supporters’ anger head-on.
“I’m on the front line now,” he admitted. “I don’t have security or hide away, but if it ever reaches that stage, it defeats the purpose of trying to rebuild Manchester United.”
Tension behind the scenes
Ratcliffe’s comments underline the fragile balance he is attempting to maintain — rebuilding one of football’s biggest institutions while shouldering the frustrations of its vast global fanbase. Despite his ambitions to restore United’s identity, results on the pitch have been inconsistent, and uncertainty continues to surround manager Rúben Amorim’s future.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Turki Alalshikh’s potential involvement grows stronger. The Saudi businessman, well-connected in global sports and entertainment circles, has been linked with multiple English clubs in recent years. His latest comments have put United firmly in the spotlight. Some insiders claim confidential talks are ongoing, while others believe his post was merely designed to gauge public sentiment.
Silence from Old Trafford
Both Manchester United and INEOS have declined to comment publicly on the takeover reports. However, sources close to Old Trafford admit the club’s “ownership structure remains under review,” fueling further intrigue about what may come next.
A pivotal moment for United
For Ratcliffe, the combination of fan pressure, financial strain, and ownership uncertainty could prove decisive. If the Saudi takeover speculation gathers real momentum, United could be on the brink of yet another seismic power shift.
For supporters, the prospect of change is a double-edged sword: hope for renewed ambition, but fear of more instability.
One thing is certain — the Manchester United ownership saga is far from over. The coming weeks may decide whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues his mission to rebuild the club or becomes another fleeting chapter in Old Trafford’s turbulent modern history.
