David Ornstein has a theory about the Glazer family's long-term plan for Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to purchase 25 per cent of United for £1.3billion in a deal which would give his company, INEOS, control over United's footballing operations, including transfers.
While Ratcliffe's proposed deal to buy a minority stake in United is unlikely to be ratified at Thursday's board meeting, the petrochemicals billionaire is closing in on an agreement.
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The investment would represent the most significant change in the club's ownership structure since the Glazers took control in 2005.
And Athletic transfer guru Ornstein has a theory on the Glazers’ position in light of the takeover.
Speaking on the Five YouTube channel, Ornstein said: “So what does the 25 per cent get you? Well, the big thing here is sporting control.
“And that’s what is being suggested is going to go to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos. They’ve got experience of it in terms of OGC Nice and Lausanne.
“But what the Glazers may be saying here - this is one theory - is, ‘Let these guy pay a premium for 25 per cent [which is] considerably over the market value.
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“‘Let them call the shots on sporting decisions. If it goes well then our 75 per cent is going to increase in value. The club’s going to be doing well and we’ll take the benefit from that.
“‘If it does badly then it’s on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.’”
Ratcliffe’s prospective investment comes after news on Saturday that Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani had withdrawn from the race to buy the United.
Ratcliffe claims to have been a fan of United since childhood.
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Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Chris Byfield