EPL
Ratcliffe at risk of being FORCED to sell Utd investment in just 18 months
Sir Jim Ratcliffe may face the possibility of selling his 25% stake in Manchester United within 18 months, according to recent developments.
The British billionaire’s investment in the club was made public on Christmas Eve, following a deadline set by the 71-year-old. Ratcliffe has reportedly paid the Glazers £1.03 billion for his stake in the club.
Ratcliffe, who was seen watching United’s match against Tottenham alongside Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, has officially submitted his offer for a share of the Red Devils. The offer is expected to be finalized by mid-February and was officially presented on the New York Stock Exchange.
However, a tender document has revealed certain rules regarding the future sale of the club. According to a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Glazer family is not permitted to solicit or encourage any new offers for the first year after the tender offer is completed on February 13, unless they have written consent from Ratcliffe’s Trawler Ltd company.
Once this initial one-year period has passed, the Glazers would have the freedom to sell Manchester United outright. In such a scenario, Ratcliffe’s Trawlers Ltd company would be required to sell all their shares to any potential new buyer.
The tender document outlines the “drag-along right” for the Glazers, stating:
“For so long as the Glazer parties are the majority holder, following the date that is 18 months after the closing date and in connection with any sale of the entire company, the Company Board may require the Trawlers party to sell all of their company ordinary shares and take such other actions as are reasonably necessary to effect the full sale.”
It does also ensure that Ratcliffe will be guaranteed the equal amount “as the highest amount paid to any other shareholder of the same class of shares”.
The document says: “If the sale occurs within three years of the closing of the offer, the Trawlers parties must receive at least $33 per share, which is the same price as the offer price.”
In the meantime, Ratcliffe has penned a letter to the Manchester United Supporters Trust, expressing his commitment to doing everything within his power to restore the club to its former glory.
His statement said: “I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf.
“I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success the club has enjoyed.
“It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.
“You are ambitious for Man Utd and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long-term and together we want to help take Man Utd back to where it belongs, at the very top of English European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.
“Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about club matters until after the deal has completed.”
EPL
Ruben Amorim’s Last Old Trafford Match Shows Exactly What Man Utd Are Missing
Ruben Amorim’s last visit to Old Trafford with Braga is a stark reminder of the tenacity Manchester United has been missing.
Now, as Erik ten Hag’s tenure comes to an end, United has appointed Amorim as the club’s new manager, hoping he will inject the fighting spirit his Sporting CP side has exemplified, winning two league titles and three domestic cups.
The Red Devils’ lack of resilience this season has been evident, particularly in disheartening 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham.
However, Amorim’s 2012 visit to Old Trafford with Braga during the Champions League shows a different type of United—a team that never shied away from a comeback.
In that memorable match, Amorim’s Braga stunned the home crowd, with Brazilian striker Alan scoring twice within the first 20 minutes to give Braga a 2-0 lead. But under Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s resilience was legendary.
Javier Hernandez halved the deficit just five minutes later, Jonny Evans scored an equalizer in the 62nd minute, and ‘Chicharito’ completed the comeback with a winning goal 15 minutes before the final whistle.
The last time United staged a similar comeback was in December 2023, when Rasmus Hojlund’s late goal sealed a 3-2 Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa. Unfortunately, these moments have been rare in recent years.
Ten Hag’s response to United’s loss against Tottenham earlier this season only underscored the team’s lack of self-belief. Reflecting on that game, he said, “I ignore that game against Spurs because we were down to 10, and the red card was later overturned.
Everyone agreed it wasn’t the right decision; it was an injustice to assess the team on that performance.”
If Ten Hag lacked confidence in the team’s ability to fight back, it’s no wonder the players have struggled with resilience. Now, with Amorim’s arrival, there’s hope that he can inspire a revival, driving United to display the grit and determination that once defined the club.
EPL
David de Gea Sends Another Message to Erik ten Hag After Man Utd Sacking
David de Gea continues to prove former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wrong, earning the Man of the Match award in Fiorentina’s 1-0 win over Genoa.
Since signing with Fiorentina on a one-year contract over the summer, De Gea has shown he still has what it takes after spending 14 months away from professional football.
United released him in 2023 despite his Golden Glove win, choosing to replace him with Andre Onana to align with Ten Hag’s focus on ball-playing ability from the back.
At the time of his departure, De Gea had reportedly agreed to a contract extension before United withdrew the offer.
Following Ten Hag’s sacking this week, De Gea shared his reaction with a simple “pinched fingers” emoji, a symbol often used in Italy to convey frustration or disbelief.
In Thursday’s match, the 33-year-old delivered several critical saves, securing a clean sheet and lifting Fiorentina to fourth in Serie A.
Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino praised the victory: “It was a hard-fought, gritty win in a challenging environment. These types of victories build character and give us confidence.”
Palladino has previously described De Gea as “world-class,” applauding him for saving two penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC Milan earlier this month.
“He’s a true champion and role model,” Palladino said. “Every day, we’re grateful to have such a top goalkeeper.”
EPL
OFFICAL: Man Utd Appoint Amorim as New Head Coach
Manchester United is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, pending work visa approval.
According to Club website, Amorim will officially take over on November 11, after fulfilling his current commitments, with a contract lasting until June 2027 and an option for an additional year.
Amorim is regarded as one of the most promising young managers in European football.
With an impressive record as both a player and a coach, he led Sporting CP to two Primeira Liga titles, including their first in nearly two decades.
Until Amorim’s arrival, Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to oversee the team.
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