October 18th 2023.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hopeful that his investment into Manchester United will be finalized before the January transfer window, in the hopes of appeasing the tensions with supporters. Ratcliffe and INOES are attempting to acquire 25 percent of the Old Trafford club in a deal worth an estimated £1.3billion. The British billionaire wants his group to assume full control of the football operations side of the business.
Ratcliffe is a life-long United fan, however sections of the support have expressed concern over his decision to do a deal with the Glazers, who remain at the club. This has caused a backlash from protesting supporters who wish for a full sale of the club, which was not achieved when Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew from the bidding process last week.
Due to this unrest amongst fans, Ratcliffe is looking to have a 'positive' January window in order to ease concerns. Unfortunately, United are restricted by financial fair play regulations, meaning there is currently no plan to wipe away the club’s considerable debt. This has impacted the club's ability to increase their budget for mid-season signings.
United did sign Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat over the summer window, however much of the spending was offset by the sale of Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace for £15m. The club's best hope of strengthening their squad in January is likely to come through further player sales.
The summer window saw United fail to agree a fee with West Ham United for Harry Maguire, and the England international recently declared that he will look to leave in the New Year if his first-team prospects do not improve.
Ratcliffe is hoping to use the January window to appease supporters and begin rebuilding the club, however it may prove difficult to do this without first addressing the club's considerable debt.
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