The transfer window is always a stressful time for managers and owners, but Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suffered a huge disappointment
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not enjoyed an ideal week(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffered a thoroughly disappointing Friday after witnessing two potential deals fall through in rapid succession.
The Manchester United co-owner also holds a majority stake in French side Nice, an arrangement he had been keen to conclude as takeover talks intensified. It is understood that an American consortium had been engaged in advanced discussions over acquiring the club, who narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the campaign.
Ratcliffe and INEOS had set a strict deadline of June 15 to complete a sale, but Nice Matin, via Get Football News France, report that the deal has now fallen apart completely.
The potential purchasers had reached the stage of visiting Nice's training facility. However, at the final moment they were unable to furnish the required financial guarantees and sporting stability commitments.
Ratcliffe purchased the club through INEOS in 2019 but has become progressively more distant since finalising his investment into Manchester United at the close of 2023.
The petrochemicals magnate has gone as far as to publicly acknowledge he derives little enjoyment from watching the Ligue 1 outfit, a view that has left supporters increasingly dismayed with the club's direction, reports the Express.
NICE, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 24: A general view of the tsadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between OGC Nice and AS Roma at Grand Stade de Nice on September 24, 2025 in Nice, France. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Ratcliffe is also a part-owner of Ligue 1 side Nice(Image: Jonathan Moscrop, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Last year, Ratcliffe conceded: "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."
Having already lowered his asking price in an attempt to secure a sale, it now appears increasingly probable that Nice will remain under INEOS ownership when the 2026/27 season kicks off. Off the pitch, considerable changes are needed following a disastrous campaign that came close to ending in relegation from Ligue 1.
Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel stepped in on a temporary basis last season, but looks unlikely to be handed the role permanently. L'Equipe report that Nice had approached Liam Rosenior, hoping to entice him back to French football following his turbulent spell at Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior won't be taking over at Nice ahead of next season
Liam Rosenior won't be taking over at Nice ahead of next season(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Rosenior had built his reputation in the country while managing Strasbourg, before making the move to Chelsea at the start of 2026. However, he lasted just four months at Stamford Bridge and is now seeking a complete break from football.
On a more positive note for Ratcliffe, United's summer transfer window strategy is moving forward smoothly after reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The club are willing to invest further, with competition heating up for Mateus Fernandes.
United have identified the West Ham star as a primary target, and the path to securing his signature has cleared following Arsenal's refusal to meet his £80m valuation.