Manchester United could compete with Newcastle or Manchester City should Sir Jim Ratcliffe buy the club. That is according to Kieran Maguire, the financial football expert who suggests the Red Devils’ enormous global reach - combined with a lavish owner - would level the playing field.
It is no secret that Man United supporters want the Glazer family to end their 18-year reign at Old Trafford. A leveraged buyout in 2005 saw the American billionaires effectively take over the club with debt leveraged against its own assets.
Protests from outraged supporters ensued and have taken an ugly turn in recent times. In May 2021, a horde of fans broke into the stadium and forced a fixture against bitter rivals Liverpool to be abandoned.
READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes mood lifted as he eyes Southampton cup clash
The Glazers announced their intention to sell up at the back end of last year, with a statement aimed at “exploring strategic alternatives” for the club. One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has declared his intention to buy the club.
A self-proclaimed Red Devil, the 70-year-old is worth an estimated £12billion and is CEO of multinational chemicals company Ineos. Speaking to Sky Sports, money boffin Maguire insisted his wealth, combined with Man United’s global brand, will allow them to compete with state-backed rivals.
“The Glazer family are apparently looking for somewhere between £6-8billion,” he said. “That does look high if we contrast that to Chelsea at £2.5 billion and Newcastle United at just 300 million.
“So I think he will probably be looking for a more discounted price than that. Does he have the money? Ineos is a very wealthy company in its own right.
“He could be front of house and he could have some secondary investors along to provide further funding. In an FFP environment? I think Sir Jim, with Ineos, is in a position where he could acquire Manchester United and make them competitive both on and off the pitch with those clubs owned by sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East.
“So I don't see that as being too much of a hurdle. Manchester United generates some of the highest revenues in European football, and combined with Financial Fair Play, would be in a competitive position.”
READ NEXT
Alexander Isak makes it clear what his best position is for Newcastle United
Reality of a Newcastle United squad never built to fight on three fronts
Alexander Isak lifts lid on 'complications' during Newcastle United injury comeback
Kieran Trippier excited by Newcastle United owners' plans for 2023
Newcastle United warn off queue of clubs wanting to take Elliot Anderson on loan
