Category: Sports

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has informed concerned INEOS creditors that he will tap into his personal wealth to finance his partial investment in Manchester United.

The 71-year-old is set to complete a partial 25% investment in United that will essentially make him a minority owner of his boyhood club.

The breakthrough for Sir Jim came after his main competitor in the United takeover race, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew his bid.

It’s expected that the INEOS billionaire will be granted full control of the Red Devils’ sporting operations.

Reports relayed that Sir Jim is already planning a radical overhaul of United’s technical set-up with the likes of Paul Mitchell and Sir David Brailsford poised to join him.

The job of United chief executive Richard Arnold is also not safe, with the 52-year-old expected to step down when everything has been completed and an official announcement made.

Bloomberg gave some insight into the source of Sir Jim’s funds with respect to purchasing a 25% stake in United.

The financial journal reports, “British businessman Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group reassured creditors that he won’t tap companies in his chemical empire to finance a planned offer for a stake in Manchester United.”

“Executives at Ineos Quattro, a petrochemical unit of Ratcliffe’s group, told creditors on Monday that funding for the football team wouldn’t come from the company. He plans to use his personal wealth for any deal, people with knowledge of the matter said.”

As per Bloomberg, the discussions took place on a call earlier this week.

The main objective of the meeting was to deliberate on Ineos Quattro’s strategy and outlook for the chemical industry.

Jayanth Kandalam, deputy head of Europe at Lucror Analytics, who was present during the call remarked, “Management categorically stated that Quattro’s liquidity would not be available to fund the private projects of Ineos Limited’s owners.”

It’s understood that Sir Jim will be joined at United by fellow Ineos shareholders Andy Currie and John Reece.

Nevertheless, there remain genuine reservations that Sir Jim’s pursuit of United would translate to paying more dividends to shareholders in the event that additional cash is needed for the investment.

An INEOS representative told Bloomberg, “It was made very clear on the call that we will not see dividends payments for the purchase of Manchester United, which has nothing to do with Ineos Quattro. Any Manchester United transaction would come from sources of the owners.”

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Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has taken a dig at Manchester City ahead of the derby on the weekend by claiming they’re not as popular as the Red Devils despite being more successful in recent years.

United are set to host City at Old Trafford on Sunday in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair for both sides.

Erik ten Hag’s men are currently enjoying a three-match winning streak across all competitions and have the opportunity to make a real statement of intent by beating the Premier League champions.

City on the other hand will be eager to gain ground on table-leading Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently two points clear at the top.

Last season, United beat City at home courtesy of goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, to complete a sensational comeback.

Ten Hag will undoubtedly be hoping for the same.

Ahead of the game, Pellistri spoke to Carve Deportiva and took a cheeky swipe at City.

The Uruguayan said, “Manchester is United. You don’t see City jerseys or flags. Sometimes my girlfriend and I go out to try to find them and we don’t see any.”

“Everywhere you go, there are Manchester United jerseys. I’m struck that there aren’t as many City jerseys.”

Pellistri was one of the players who were tipped to leave United on a loan basis in the summer. However, a move never materialized and he stayed at the club.

This season, the winger has made six appearances for the 20-time English champions across all competitions.

He told Carve Deportiva that at United, no one is assured of a starting place and everyone has to fight for a chance to play.

The player remarked, “here there is a lot of rotation, you can play one match as a starter and four as a substitute. That’s something I learned. You always have to be ready, because with so much competitions, you will always have moments to play.”

The 21-year-old said about the derby, “I’m always so nervous before matches, it’s the adrenaline of the moment. The derby and even more so at Old Trafford, the atmosphere is going to be crazy.”

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Manchester United had to rely on a Harry Maguire second-half effort to see off Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday with the attack continuing to misfire.

Both wingers — Marcus Rashford and Antony were poor while Rasmus Hojlund needs more support. It is pretty evident that Erik ten Hag needs more firepower up front.

The Mancunian, last season’s top scorer, has only one goal under his belt this term with United the lowest scorers among the top 10 teams in the Premier League.

United’s goalscoring woes

Backup striker Anthony Martial has mainly been used from the bench and he has one goal to his name thus far, while he has failed to impress with most of his cameos.

He still looks uninterested most of the time while he looks to be lacking in match sharpness as a result of the lack of minutes thus far.

There were reports that the Frenchman was up for sale in the summer but nothing materialised and as per TeamTalk, he might not be sold in January either.

United’s financial woes are well known at this point and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake offer yet to be ratified, the only way the club can afford to sign players during the winter transfer window is by selling their stars.

But as Maguire has proved recently, a resurgence in form is possible and the France international could end up staying for the entirety of this season.

“Anthony Martial is aiming to avoid a January exit from Manchester United and is unlikely to be forced out of the club, TEAMtalk understands.

Martial to survive yet another window?

“Sources around the club are indicating that there is very much a determination to stick around though and that Harry Maguire’s redemption arc provides fresh motivation for how quickly a situation can turn around.

“Martial’s position in the front line could ultimately turn out to be helped by that financial situation too. United do not currently have concrete plans to recruit an attacker either.”

Martial’s wages and his poor injury record are another major factor why a permanent departure in January is unlikely.

For United’s sake, hopefully, the former Monaco starlet can rediscover his mojo and plunder a few goals between now and the end of the season. Ten Hag can certainly do with some additional goals.

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Manchester United may have to ward off competition from Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League to land one of their primary midfield targets in the summer of 2024 — Joao Neves.

United have been heavily linked with Neves in the past and is seen as the perfect fit to come in and help rejuvenate the Red Devils midfield.

Even after the additions of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, it’s clear that United need more, especially with Casemiro’s form on a downward spiral.

A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that Casemiro is aware of United’s interest in Neves as his potential replacement – a development the Brazilian is apparently not too happy about.

It was relayed that Benfica have no interest in negotiating with any party for Neves, who recently signed a new contract with the Liga Nos giants.

His current release clause stands at a whooping €120 million.

This term at Estadio da Luz, Neves has played every game in what appears to be his breakthrough season. He has one assist to his name.

According to TEAMtalk, United are “big fans” of the 19-year-old and have been tracking him for over one year with an interest in making a move in the near future.

“United will, though, face major competition for the Portuguese sensation as sources suggest he is a potential target for mega-bucks Saudi Pro League sides.”

The talented midfielder is of course represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, who has engineered multiple high-profile deals to Saudi in the past few months.

Former Wolves star Ruben Neves and Jota are some of the players whose respective switches to the Gulf state have been overseen by Mendes.

TEAMtalk also adds that Benfica are hopeful that they can retain the player for at least the remainder of the season as he is an important member of the team.

It’s understood that there is an expectation one of the interested parties in Neves will make a formal approach in January when the winter transfer window opens.

In addition to United and Saudi Pro League outfits, Chelsea are also admirers of Neves.

However, the Blues are primarily focused on reinforcing their attack and defensive departments in January.

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Manchester City have confirmed that they’ve banned two supporters who took part in offensive chanting after the death of Manchester United and England icon Sir Bobby Charlton.

Last Saturday, Sir Bobby’s family confirmed that the 86-year-old passed away.

His demise prompted an outpouring of tributes and messages of condolences from both the football world and beyond.

Videos surfaced online this weekend of a section of Man City supporters singing offensive chants at the Etihad Stadium during their clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Premier League champions promised to conduct swift investigations geared towards finding the individuals involved with a view to punishing them.

Man City also issued an apology to Sir Bobby’s family and loved ones for the unfortunate incident.

Pep Guardiola’s club has now issued an update on the inquiry and indicated that two fans have been found culpable and so, have been subjected to a ban.

Further punitive measures for the two could also follow soon.

The club’s statement as relayed by The Guardian reads, “Manchester City can confirm that two minors have been identified in connection with the vile chanting heard at the Etihad Stadium during half-time of last weekend’s home match against Brighton & Hove Albion.”

“The individuals in question have subsequently been suspended from attending all home or away fixtures and their details have been shared with Greater Manchester Police who are investigating the matter.”

“Following the conclusion of Greater Manchester Police’s ongoing investigation, the individuals will be subject to the club’s official sanctions and bans process.”

As per The Guardian, the length of the bans will be communicated by Man City after the police determine whether criminal action will be taken against the two fans.

United are set to host City at Old Trafford this Sunday in a high-stakes derby clash.