Jim Ratcliffe 'puts Nice up for sale as he bids to take full control of Man Utd'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s controversial co-owner, is poised to sell his stake in Nice, with Saudi investors circling, as he seeks funds to pursue a full takeover of the Red Devils.

The move, sparked by his frustrations with Nice’s performance and United’s financial constraints, marks a pivotal shift in his football empire.

Ratcliffe, who acquired Nice for £89 million in 2019 through his INEOS group, is ready to offload the Ligue 1 side, currently fifth in the French league, according to French outlet L’Informe.

The Daily Star reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, is exploring a bid, drawn by Nice’s competitive standing despite no trophies under Ratcliffe’s tenure.

Ratcliffe’s candid dissatisfaction with Nice’s football quality, stating, “The level of football isn’t high enough for me to get excited,” per the Mirror, underscores his decision.

Nice’s best season occurred when INEOS was barred from involvement due to timeshare rules, suggesting his interventions hindered progress.

The sale’s proceeds are earmarked to bolster Ratcliffe’s ambition for a complete Manchester United takeover. There are claims he aims to end the Glazer family’s majority control.

Ratcliffe’s 28.94% stake in United, acquired for £1.3 billion in 2024, has been marred by fan backlash over cost-cutting measures, including 450 job cuts, ticket price hikes, and ending Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassador role.

United’s 14th-place Premier League position and £1 billion debt, including £300 million in transfer fees, amplify the need for funds, per BBC Sport.

Ratcliffe’s tenure at United has been turbulent, with decisions like raising ticket prices to £66 and removing concessions for under-16s and pensioners sparking protests, per BBC Sport.

Banners at recent matches read “£1bn stolen,” referencing the Glazers’ debt servicing, per BBC Sport. Ratcliffe’s backing of Ruben Amorim, despite a delayed Erik ten Hag sacking, has yet to yield results, with United reliant on a £100 million Europa League windfall.

Harry Maguire’s recent wing heroics against Athletic Bilbao offered a glimmer of hope.

Selling Nice could alleviate United’s financial strain, but Ratcliffe’s admission that Nice thrived without his input raises questions about his football operations acumen.

Saudi interest, while lucrative, may complicate UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, which previously threatened United’s Europa League participation.

Fan sentiment on X, like @UnitedStandMUFC’s note on Ratcliffe’s Nice experiment informing United’s strategy, is cautiously optimistic, but @centredevils highlights his detachment from Nice’s games. As United face Brentford, Ratcliffe’s gamble on divestment to fund a United overhaul carries high stakes.