Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffers major blow as deal collapses at last minute
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was hoping to complete the sale of French club Nice, but despite talks advancing, the prospective takeover has now collapsed
Sir Jim Ratcliffe had a day to forget on Friday after seeing two prospective deals collapse.
The Manchester United co-owner also is the majority shareholder of French club Nice. He was hoping that arrangement was coming to an end with takeover talks advancing.
It is understood that an American consortium was seriously interested in purchasing the club, who survived relegation on the final day of the season.
Ratcliffe and INEOS had set a hard deadline of June 15, to complete a sale, but Nice Matin via Get Football News France, report the deal has now fallen through completely.
The investors had got as far as visiting Nice’s training ground, but at the last minute were unable to assure the relevant financial safety and sporting stability required.
Ratcliffe purchased the club through INEOS in 2019 and has become significantly withdrawn since his investment into Manchester United at the end of 2023.
The petrochemicals mogul went as far to say that he doesn’t enjoy the level of football at the club – with fans becoming increasingly frustrated at their direction.
In an interview with the Times last year, Ratcliffe admitted: “I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”
Ratcliffe has already slashed his asking price in order to facilitate a deal, but it now appears increasingly likely that Nice will remain under INEOS control at the start of the 2026/27 season.
And on the pitch, changes need to happen after a disastrous season which almost saw them drop out of Ligue 1.
Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel was in interim charge last season, but is unlikely to be hired on a permanent basis.
And on the pitch, changes need to happen after a disastrous season which almost saw them drop out of Ligue 1.
Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel was in interim charge last season, but is unlikely to be hired on a permanent basis.
In more positive news for Ratcliffe, United’s summer transfer window plans are well in motion after reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta.
The Brazilian will join Michael Carrick’s squad after the World Cup and Ratcliffe is ready to put hand in pocket again with the race for Mateus Fernandes heating up.
United have identified the West Ham star as one of their priority targets and the path to sign him has been cleared with Arsenal baulking at his £80m valuation.
