Premier League approve Man Utd deal

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has moved closer to becoming a confirmed part-owner of Manchester United after he passed the Premier League directors’ and owners’ test of approval.

Manchester United recently announced an agreement for Ratcliffe to acquire a 25% stake in the club, which the Glazer family have been involved with for over 20 years.

The figurehead of INEOS and already owner of Lausanne Sport and OGC Nice, Ratcliffe is ready to assume control of Manchester United’s footballing operations.

The update was uncovered via Manchester United’s filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and a Premier League statement should follow next week.

It means we could be just days away from hearing the confirmed news that Ratcliffe is officially part of the Manchester United board.

Before that, though, he is still awaiting one final green light in the form of Football Association approval – which is not expected to be an issue.

Ratcliffe recently extended the deadline of his offer to Manchester United from midnight on Tuesday to midnight on Friday.

He is now on course to be able to complete his investment into the club, which will include pledging £250m to improve their infrastructure.