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Mason Mount slammed by former Man Utd star after poor start - 'Nowhere to be seen'
Manchester United icon Gary Neville has set out six ‘non-negotiable’ priorities for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a partial sale of the Red Devils to the British billionaire looms. Reports claim that the United board will this week green-light Ratcliffe’s proposal for 25 per-cent of the club following the withdrawal of Sheikh Jassim.
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Part of the deal will apparently see Ratcliffe’s INEOS team take control of the club’s sporting operation. The unpopular Glazer family will remain in charge of the commercial wing of Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe could make sweeping changes behind the scenes when he gets to work. However, former club captain Neville insists that there are five ‘non-negotiable’ tasks to complete once the ink is dry on a deal for the 70-year-old to buy his shares.
Neville listed several sporting and economic improvements that need to be made at United. He tweeted: “The news last night of the Qatari withdrawal leaves Manchester United on the brink of a minority investment. Can this really work and what impact will it have on a struggling organisation?
Man Utd legend Gary Neville has set out six priorities for Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Image: Getty)
“It’s worth setting out my non-negotiables on a takeover of Manchester United that I made over a year ago. 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.
“I’m adding a 6th due to events in the last 2-3 years. 6. The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game.
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Man Utd bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to buy 25 per-cent of the Red Devils (Image: Getty)
“Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the clubs values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the club’s public image.”
Ratcliffe’s path to buying shares at United was cleared on Saturday evening when it emerged that Sheikh Jassim had withdrawn his bid to buy the club. According to The Times, the Qatari royal never came close to meeting the Glazers’ £6billion valuation and only brought his offer above the £5bn mark in April.
The Glazers remain deeply unpopular among United fans and it is unlikely that unrest will simmer while the siblings remain at the club. Supporters in favour of a full sale have staged regular protests during the drawn-out takeover process and it remains to be seen if they will continue.
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