Man Utd ‘Can Kick Sir Jim Ratcliffe Out’ in New Takeover as Glazers ‘Discontent’ Emerges
The dramatic saga of Manchester United’s ownership took another turn this week as reports suggest the club could soon face another seismic power shift. Just months after Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 27.7% stake in Manchester United and assumed control over football operations, rumors are now swirling that the Glazer family—the majority owners—are experiencing internal discontent with Ratcliffe’s influence and may be open to a new takeover bid that could push the British billionaire out of Old Trafford.
If true, this development would mark a stunning twist in what has already been one of the most turbulent periods in Manchester United’s modern history. Once heralded as the man to lead a footballing revolution at the club, Sir Jim’s tenure is now reportedly under threat as divisions emerge within the ownership structure and potential buyers lurk in the shadows.
This article explores the root of the Glazers’ discontent, Ratcliffe’s recent moves, and how a new takeover could potentially reshape the future of Manchester United—again.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe: A Promising Start with Uncertain Results
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group completed the minority acquisition of Manchester United earlier this year, many fans saw it as the beginning of the end for Glazer ownership. Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan and one of Britain’s wealthiest men, took control of all football operations, including recruitment, the academy, and infrastructure.
His early decisions were bold. He restructured the club’s football leadership by appointing Omar Berrada as CEO from Manchester City and pushing for the arrival of Dan Ashworth as sporting director. These moves signaled a desire to implement a modern, data-driven, and football-centric strategy—something that had long been missing under Glazer control.
However, despite the positive optics, the on-pitch product has deteriorated. Manchester United are currently enduring one of their worst-ever Premier League seasons, with inconsistent performances, an unstable squad, and growing fan unrest. Questions have begun to surface about whether Ratcliffe’s plans are working fast enough—and whether his public ambition to eventually become majority owner has ruffled feathers inside the Glazer camp.
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Glazer Family Discontent: Power Struggles Behind the Scenes
According to several media outlets, including The Mirror and The Times, certain members of the Glazer family are growing increasingly uncomfortable with Ratcliffe’s growing influence. Though he only owns a minority share, Ratcliffe’s operational control over football matters has shifted the club’s internal balance of power.
Historically, the Glazers have operated as a tightly knit ownership group, rarely ceding control to outside entities. While they were happy to offload responsibility for sporting decisions—especially amid growing fan protests—they may not have anticipated how much Ratcliffe would reshape the internal workings of the club.
Sources close to the situation claim that some Glazer family members are concerned that Ratcliffe’s long-term goal is to “squeeze them out” by consolidating more influence and eventually taking over the club entirely. This has reportedly led to internal discussions about exploring other potential investors or suitors—including full-scale takeovers that would dilute or nullify Ratcliffe’s position.
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Can Manchester United ‘Kick Out’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
Legally and structurally, Ratcliffe’s current 27.7% stake comes with operational responsibilities, but not outright ownership control. While he has the keys to the football department, the Glazers remain the majority shareholders, meaning they hold the ultimate authority over ownership changes.
In theory, the Glazers could orchestrate a full sale to a new bidder—especially one offering a higher valuation or full buyout—and force Ratcliffe to sell his shares or be sidelined in future plans. This would be a controversial and complex move, especially considering Ratcliffe’s public positioning as the man to “save” the club. However, in the corporate world of football, loyalty and sentiment often take a backseat to business interests.
Furthermore, some legal analysts suggest that Ratcliffe’s deal includes performance clauses or future acquisition rights, meaning the Glazers may have limited ability to override his role without entering costly legal territory.
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Enter New Suitors: Could Sheikh Jassim Return?
Amid this uncertainty, speculation has reignited about potential fresh takeover attempts. Notably, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari billionaire who previously launched a failed full buyout bid for the club, is rumored to be monitoring the situation.
His initial bid—reportedly worth around £5 billion—was turned down by the Glazers in favor of Ratcliffe’s partial stake offer. However, if internal divisions widen and the Glazers seek a cleaner exit strategy, Sheikh Jassim or other deep-pocketed investors could return to the table with renewed interest.
A full takeover would mean a complete reset of the club’s leadership and could potentially marginalize or remove Ratcliffe and the INEOS group from the picture entirely. The Qatari bid also promised zero debt, major investment in infrastructure (including a new stadium), and a significant transfer war chest—all of which remain highly appealing to supporters.
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Fan Frustration and Uncertainty
For Manchester United supporters, this latest power struggle only adds to years of chaos and instability. From failed managerial appointments and misfiring transfer windows to underwhelming performances on the pitch, fans have had little to cheer about since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Ratcliffe’s arrival had rekindled hope—but the recent dip in form and now reports of Glazer resistance have thrown everything into question once again.
The biggest concern among fans is simple: Will the power struggle derail the long-overdue football rebuild? With INEOS already enacting structural changes and evaluating Rúben Amorim’s disappointing first season, any interruption in that vision could lead to more years of regression.
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What Happens Next?
The coming months will be pivotal. Manchester United must decide:
Whether to back Sir Jim Ratcliffe fully and allow him to implement a long-term vision, regardless of short-term struggles.
Whether to seek a complete sale of the club and begin a new chapter under different ownership.
Or whether to continue the current fractured structure, risking stagnation and internal discord.
The Europa League final may offer some momentary relief, but the real battle is taking place in boardrooms—not stadiums.
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Conclusion: A Club on the Brink of Another Revolution
The phrase “Manchester United can kick Sir Jim Ratcliffe out” is not just dramatic—it symbolizes the dysfunction at the heart of one of the world’s biggest football clubs. While Ratcliffe was seen as a savior figure, his vision has encountered resistance from the very people who brought him in.
Now, with the Glazers reportedly discontent and fresh suitors circling, United may once again be on the edge of a takeover storm.
For the fans, one truth remains: until Manchester United is united in vision, leadership, and identity, the glory days will remain a distant memory.
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Would you like a visual brea
kdown of the current ownership structure or a timeline of major events since Ratcliffe’s arrival?
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