Kieran Maguire drops ‘£245m’ Ratcliffe reveal after huge development
Sir Jim Ratcliffe may add his £250million Man United investment to the club’s debt so that he is eventually repaid.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Ratcliffe’s investment may add to the £1billion-plus existing debt at Old Trafford.
As revealed by Football Insider on Friday (22 December), Ratcliffe is prepared to launch a £250milllion investment ‘masterplan’ as soon as he gains sporting control.
It is understood that the British billionaire has put aside money to be invested into the club’s infrastructure including their Carrington training base.
The long-term goal of Ratcliffe is to expand Old Trafford’s capacity to 90,000 – but his initial investment fee is expected to improve facilities that have lacked investment from the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe’s deal has now been completed, although it will take an extra 6-8 weeks to be approved.
United’s current debt levels have already surpassed the £1billion mark, as per The Athletic.
Maguire suggested that Ratcliffe’s infrastructure investment may end up being repaid by the club depending on the details of the deal.
“If Sir Jim Ratcliffe does put money into Manchester United then that will be ring-fenced and £245million for somebody worth eight figures isn’t a significant proportion of their wealth,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“As always, the devil’s in the detail and seeing the small print of the arrangement between the Glazers and Ratcliffe is far more important than focusing on just the numbers.
“People have been diverted and distracted by the 25 per cent ownership in terms of shares.
“It’s the rights that go with those shares in terms of operational control that are the key issues.
“And it also should be noted that if there’s any money going into the club – if that goes in the form of debt that debt can be repaid.“
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