Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first full season as Manchester United owner has not gone to plan.
Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign will be remembered for the worst Premier League finish in the club’s history and ending trophyless after losing the Europa League final.
That is not exactly the story that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have dreamed up following his £1.2bn Manchester United takeover last year.
Ratcliffe is backing Ruben Amorim heading into next season despite the defeat in Bilbao. The pressure on both of them next season will be immense.
Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Man United stocks plummet after Europa League final defeat
When he appeared on camera in Bilbao, Ratcliffe was booed by United staff at a screening event back in Manchester.
The British billionaire has become an extremely unpopular figure for his ruthless cost-cutting around Old Trafford and Carrington.
Not only has Ratcliffe’s reputation taken a huge hit, but his personal wealth has too.
Ratcliffe has lost £6bn in personal wealth since completing the United takeover, dropping his net worth to £17.046bn.
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After United lost the Europa League final on Wednesday, the Financial Times reported that United’s shares plummeted seven percent.
United’s stocks are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and the share prices dropping will be alarming news for both the Glazer family and Ratcliffe.
Man United finances could lead to new takeover saga
It is no secret that United are struggling financially and the loss on Wednesday night will only make things worse.
Even before the defeat in Bilbao, it has been hinted that Ratcliffe could trigger a new takeover saga if he chooses to sell his stake at United.
The Glazers have been angling towards a full takeover and if a new bidder emerges, the ownership of United could be in for another twist.
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Ultimately, the Glazers can force Ratcliffe to sell his stake in United, and given his last 12 months financially he might be open to that himself.
Ineos will still back Amorim financially to strengthen his squad this summer, but the budget will be heavily restricted with no European football.