It has been a difficult 18 months for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as minority owner of Manchester United, but it appears the Red Devils' struggles are affecting him off the pitch
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Co-owner of Manchester United, looks on before the trophy presentation after the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has had a tough start to life at Manchester United
(Image: 2025 UEFA)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's net worth has decreased by around £370million since he bought his stake in Manchester United, according to figures.
In February 2024, Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% minority takeover of the Red Devils. Many believed the INEOS chief's arrival would be the start of a new dawn, but aside from the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, the Red Devils have largely struggled on the pitch.
When the 72-year-old's purchase was complete, Ratcliffe commanded a net worth of around $16.5bn (£12.19bn) according to Forbes - a figure which had decreased from $22.9bn (£16.92bn) the previous year. The figures also state his net worth has taken another hit, with his total value dropping down by $500m (£370m) since last year.
Before he settled with his stake, Ratcliffe was one of many parties who were jostling for a full takeover of the club. But when asked about incumbent owners the Glazer family, Ratcliffe has so far been warm and gracious to the American venture capitalists.
In private, the Mail understands he feels exactly the same way, suggesting he does not want the United owners to sell the rest of their stakes. A source who is reportedly close to Ratcliffe told the outlet: "They absolutely get on. So much so that Jim has flown over to the US on multiple occasions to have board meetings on their doorstep. They are like-minded people."
When Ratcliffe's purchase was complete, shares in the club reportedly fell by 8.65 per cent ($1.51). However, his takeover intentions had been agreed in November 2023.
Avram Glazer, Co-owner of Manchester United, speaks to Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United and Jim Ratcliffe, Co-owner of Manchester United prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain
Ratcliffe is understood to have a good relationship with the Glazers
The United chief even brought in the likes of Omar Berrada from City to become the Reds' new CEO, before the purchase was completed. Ratcliffe reacted to the drop in share prices with calm, saying improved performances on the pitch would see them rise up.
He said: "We have a lot to learn from our noisy neighbour (City) and the other neighbour (Liverpool). They are the enemy at the end of the day.
"There is nothing I would like better than to knock both of them from their perch. He (Sir Alex Ferguson) was the first one who came out with that expression.
"I am in the same place as Alex - 100 per cent. He was fiercely competitive and that is why he was successful. We have to be the same."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Manchester United performs the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the official opening of the refurbished training complex at Carrington Training Ground on August 08, 2025 in Manchester, England
In August, Ratcliffe officially opened United's new £50m first-team building at their Carrington training complex
Unfortunately for Ratcliffe, his shareholders and everybody else affiliated with United, performances on the pitch have largely been drab. He sacked Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and replaced him with Ruben Amorim, but the latter has also struggled for results.
The Reds are yet to convince any in the Premier League, but a Manchester Derby clash against City, who have their own issues on their side of the fence, gives United the opportunity to jump-start their campaign.
According to Transfermarkt, United have invested around £430m on transfer fees since Ratcliffe took over, with more than £200m being spent on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Pedro Leon, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens just this summer.