Manchester United are set to sign a deal with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but the club’s former captain, Gary Neville, has set out some non-negotiables on the takeover.
The Red Devils have had a bad stint for quite some time now. The club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season, and they have lost both of their UCL group stage matches this season. The fans have been blaming the Glazers for the club’s poor performance, and the new owner might turn things around.
Gary Neville adds his sixth non-negotiable on United takeover
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will officially become the partial owner of Premier League club Manchester United in the coming days. His £6 billion valuation of the club caused Sheikh Jassim to withdraw his bid. The British billionaire will have a 25 percent stake in the club. According to the deal, Ratcliffe will be in charge of the sporting operations, while the infamous Glazer family will take control of the commercial side.
Former club captain Gary Neville has listed out six non-negotiable tasks that must be completed to improve the player’s performance and the club’s condition. In a post uploaded to his Twitter account, the right back listed out some demands that can help the club and improve the fans’ viewing experience.
These non-negotiables are as follows:
1. A new sporting project
2. A new or redeveloped Old Trafford
3. A new training ground
4. Full redevelopment of the surrounding land to create a Manchester United World and amazing fan experience
5. Pay off the debt and stop taking dividends until the above is done.
6. The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues and enables a fairer, more inclusive, and more diverse game. Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture while adhering to the club’s values and principles, and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent erosion in the club’s public image.
Former United skipper raises several questions surrounding imminent takeover
Gary Neville not only asked Ratcliffe to complete the above-mentioned tasks but also raised a lot of questions. He asked if a minority stakeholder could even have an impact big enough to achieve the tasks he mentioned in his post.
He raised several other questions, asking about the distribution of funds, the debt, etc. In total, the 48-year-old asked 16 questions, and fans are keen to see how the club responds or if they respond at all.
It is clear to see that Gary Neville loves Manchester United, and the retired footballer cares a lot about his former club.
