On Monday, a published Companies House submission, backdated to 10 December, noted that £80million was paid into Manchester United for 100 shares.
The shares were issued by Red Football Limited – one of United’s parent companies.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire confirmed that the shares were issued to United co-owner and INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
I can confirm that (a) the amount invested is £80m and (b) it is from Jim Ratcliffe
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) January 14, 2025
There was some excitement on social media once details of this transaction emerged but according to The Daily Mail, they’re simply part of what Ratcliffe promised as part of his minority takeover of the club.
According to the newspaper, “Confidential can confirm that this was merely the formal process of Ratcliffe investing the final tranche of the extra £245m promised as part of his minority takeover.”
“United’s parent company Red Football Ltd issued the new shares to absorb the new capital injected by Ratcliffe which has been earmarked for infrastructure projects such as the £50m redevelopment of the Carrington training ground rather than for transfers this month.”
“And while it strengthens the club’s financial position, it has no additional bearing on profit and sustainability rules because the £80m had already been factored into the calculations.”
Earlier today, it was confirmed that United met the Premier League’s financial guidelines for the 2023/24 period with no fresh charges being announced.
In fact, every top-flight club was in compliance with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Any clubs that might have been found in breach would have been at serious risk of a points deduction.
United are believed to be treading carefully when it comes to their financial shape, even as they aim to raise funds to spend on transfers in the ongoing winter transfer window.
Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Thursday when they host Southampton at Old Trafford.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
