He has been nicknamed 'Dr No', likened to an oligarch and a Victorian mill owner. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe's modus operandi suggests he is ideal for Man United.
Unionists at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland used to call Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'Dr No' as he regularly said "no".
In a BBC Radio 4 profile that aired more than 10 years ago, a banker who dealt with Ratcliffe said he looks for businesses that are under-loved or under-managed that can double the cash flow in five years. Ring any bells? Protesters have held aloft a banner that reads 'full sale only' at Old Trafford, construed as support for Sheikh Jassim as he was the only bidder whose offer was for 100% control of the club.
Uefa's financial fair play and the profitability and sustainability rules dictate clubs' spending. Even without a new owner and one trophy in six years, United renewed their partnership with Adidas for £900million in July and last month announced a record shirt sponsorship deal with Qualcomm. Ratcliffe learnt to count by counting the chimneys he could see from his council house window in Failsworth. Just over a mile away is where Newton Heath Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Football Club was formed in 1878.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe draws up five-man shortlist to become Man Utd's new sporting directorSir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly close to securing a minority stake in Manchester United
Read more »
Man Utd: Clause will give Sir Jim Ratcliffe control of sporting mattersThe Glazers' influence will be phased out.
Read more »
Man Utd: Gary Neville outlines 16 questions for Sir Jim RatcliffeThe British billionaire is set to secure a 25% stake in the club.
Read more »
Sir Jim Ratcliffe already knows he cannot get Man United takeover bid wrongBritish billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 25 per cent stake in Man United, with some reports claiming it is on the brink of being finalised.
Read more »
Ineos company profile as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on Man Utd dealSir Jim Ratcliffe founded Ineos in 1998 and is on the verge of becoming a major player at Manchester United
Read more »
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Man Utd plan includes 'marginal gains'The INEOS owner looks set to complete a deal to take a 25 per cent stake in Man Utd after Sheikh Jassim's withdrawal form the takeover process
Read more »