BREAKING NEWS: “Manchester United has always been my favorite club, and I’ve dreamed of owning it. After meeting with the current owners, I’m now planning to purchase the club and transform it into the best in the world,” said the world’s richest man. This comes as reports reveal that Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously considered the possibility of Elon Musk using his $486 billion fortune to acquire the iconic football club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considered involving Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos in funding his acquisition of Manchester United shares before ultimately finalizing his investment independently. This prospect underscores the increasing intersection of immense personal wealth and global football, a dynamic shaping modern sports ownership.

 

Ratcliffe’s initial agreement to purchase a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for £1.2 billion was reached in December 2023 and finalized earlier this year. Subsequently, he increased his stake to 28.94% by spending an additional £79 million. This steady growth in shareholding reflects Ratcliffe’s intent to establish a significant influence within the club’s ownership structure.

 

Before committing to the purchase, Ratcliffe reportedly explored private financing options. During one discussion, he floated the idea of enlisting the financial support of Musk and Bezos. As the CEOs of Tesla and Amazon, respectively, both men possess immense wealth, with Musk’s net worth estimated at $486 billion and Bezos’s at $246 billion. Ratcliffe speculated that the prestige of owning a stake in Manchester United might appeal to the two billionaires, though there is no evidence that either expressed interest or that the talks progressed further.

 

While Musk has never ventured into sports ownership, his penchant for high-profile investments and speculation about his interest in English football could have made him a unique collaborator. Bezos, despite a lack of direct sports ownership experience, has demonstrated a broader interest in cultural ventures, such as Amazon’s involvement in sports broadcasting, which could have aligned with Ratcliffe’s vision for the club.

 

However, Ratcliffe’s growing ownership stake has yet to translate into immediate on-field improvements. The funds used to increase his shareholding have not been allocated to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window. This has left Manchester United struggling through a difficult season under manager Ruben Amorim. Currently, the team sits 13th in the Premier League table with 22 points after suffering their seventh league defeat of the season—a home loss to Bournemouth.

 

The Red Devils face two critical league fixtures to close out the year: against Wolves on Boxing Day and Newcastle United on December 30. These matches will be pivotal in determining the team’s momentum heading into the January transfer window, where further changes could potentially shape their season.

 

Ratcliffe’s exploration of involving Musk or Bezos underscores his ambitious approach to securing resources for his Manchester United investment. Although these discussions did not materialize, they highlight the club’s global appeal and the potential for future collaborations with similarly influential figures.

 

For now, Ratcliffe’s increased stake represents a long-term commitment to the club, though the immediate challenges lie in addressing on-field issues. Fans and stakeholders will closely monitor how ownership decisions, strategic investments, and managerial efforts align to restore Manchester United’s competitiveness.