Manchester United takeover next steps as Premier League ratify Sir Jim Ratcliffe investment

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already making his presence known at Manchester United just seven weeks after the Glazers green-lighted his £1.3billion minority investment.

The INEOS chief has already met with journalists and fans, and is now set to officially clock in at Old Trafford. The 71-year-old had his stake ratified by the Premier League on Tuesday, although had been consulted about January transfer activity anyway. The investment now only needs to pass Football Association checks.

Last month, Omar Berrada was announced as the club’s next CEO. Although technically a Glazers appointment, it is thought the move was that of Ratcliffe and INEOS, who now take over sporting control. Here is everything fans need to know regarding his arrival timeline over the next few months.

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Ratcliffe arrived at United on Christmas Eve after a 13-month takeover process from the Glazers. Any new investor at a Premier League club is required to pass the competition’s Owners’ & Directors’ Test before approval.

This is not a quick process and can take a number of weeks. Given Ratcliffe’s arrival came during the festive period, it added a number of days onto the timeline. The FA also needs to give its nod of approval.

There is no inkling that there will be any issue with this process, and club sources say those checks are nearing completion. Ratcliffe had initially indicated his tender offer stood until Wednesday but this has now been extended until Friday.

Also known as the ‘fit and proper persons’ test’, the checks ensure any incoming investor has the necessary funds to complete and sustain the deal. It also assesses