Sir Jim Ratcliffe FINALLY completes 27.7 per cent Man Utd takeover and promises to take club ‘to top of world football’

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE says his work to take Manchester United back to the top of English football starts now.

His £1.3billion takeover of 27.7 per cent of the club is now officially complete.

PA

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed his 27.7 per cent Man Utd takeover[/caption]

The deal was passed by the Premier League last week and ALSO GOT FA approval.

Sir Jim said: “To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.

“This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”

And Executive Co-Chairman Joel Glazer said he was looking forward to a ‘bright future’ now with Ratcliffe on board.

Joel Glazer said: “I would like to welcome Sir Jim as co-owner and look forward to working closely with him and INEOS Sport to deliver a bright future for Manchester United.”

His ownership will rise to 27.7 per cent due to the initial capital investment of $200m with the issue of new shares and then to 28.9per cent by December 31st after a further investment of $100m.

Ratcliffe had already taken charge of football operations at the club.

He has not wasted time by making major appointments at the very top of Old Trafford as well.

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The INEOS chief has already poached Manchester City’s CEO Omar Berrada.

He is now negotiating to release Dan Ashworth from his contract at Newcastle United to become Old Trafford’s new Sporting Director.

Already he has been looking at plans to build a brand new ‘Wembley of the North’ to replace Old Trafford and make changes at the Carrington training ground.

Ratcliffe’s positive steps have already brought what has been described as a ‘new energy’ to United.

Indeed since his involvement was first officially announced on Christmas Eve United have won seven and drawn one of nine game in all competitions.

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