Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘Could Walk Away From Man Utd’ Amid Saudi Rumours

The ownership situation at Manchester United has taken another dramatic twist after reports surfaced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe could walk away from the club, just months after securing his minority stake. The speculation comes amid growing rumours that Saudi sports promoter Turki Alalshikh is in advanced talks to launch a full takeover of the Premier League giants.

On Wednesday night, Alalshikh set social media ablaze with a cryptic post that hinted at a potential power shift at Old Trafford. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he claimed: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.” The statement immediately sent shockwaves through football circles, sparking heated discussions among fans and analysts alike.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who only last year completed a £1 billion deal to acquire a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, now finds his position under scrutiny. His entry was hailed as a new era for the club — a partial break from the Glazers’ unpopular rule — but the current situation suggests tensions behind the scenes.

British journalist Chris Blackhurst, author of The World’s Biggest Cash Machine, added fuel to the fire during his appearance on Sky Sports, when asked if Ratcliffe could truly walk away from Manchester United. “Well, he’s got problems,” Blackhurst began. “Jim Ratcliffe is a very, very successful businessman, probably one of the most successful in Britain. But INEOS, his main chemicals business, isn’t doing well. And none of his sports investments have worked — cycling, rugby, Formula 1, even football projects. None have delivered what he wanted.”

Blackhurst went further, explaining that Ratcliffe’s patience might be wearing thin. “He warned some time ago that if he continues to face personal abuse, he might just walk away,” he said. “He’s not someone who enjoys being in the public firing line, and if the criticism intensifies, yes — I can absolutely see him stepping back.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Ratcliffe has voiced frustration. Back in March 2025, he admitted he would not tolerate the same level of hostility that the Glazers have endured over the years. “I can put up with being unpopular for a while,” he told the BBC. “But I’m no different from anyone else — it’s not pleasant when friends and family see the abuse. If it reached the level the Glazers faced, I’d have to say, ‘enough’s enough, let somebody else do this.’”

Ratcliffe also acknowledged the difficulty of his position, saying that since his investment, the Glazer family has taken a backseat, leaving him to face the bulk of the criticism from the fanbase. “They’ve retreated into the shadows,” he remarked. “I’m the one on the front line now. I don’t have security or need to hide, but if it gets to that point, it defeats the whole purpose of trying to rebuild Manchester United.”

His comments highlight the fragile balance he is attempting to maintain — rebuilding one of the world’s biggest clubs while shouldering the weight of its disillusioned supporters. Despite his ambitions to restore United’s identity, Ratcliffe has faced growing discontent among fans, especially after the team’s inconsistent performances and the uncertain managerial situation involving Rúben Amorim.

Meanwhile, the rumours linking Turki Alalshikh to a potential takeover have only intensified. The Saudi businessman, known for his ties to sports and entertainment in the Middle East, has been connected with several English clubs in the past, but this latest hint has placed United firmly at the centre of speculation. Some insiders claim discussions are indeed taking place at a “confidential and exploratory stage,” while others suggest Alalshikh’s comments were meant to test public reaction.

For now, Manchester United and INEOS have remained silent, refusing to comment on the swirling takeover rumours. However, sources close to Old Trafford insist that no official negotiations are currently underway — though they acknowledge the club’s ownership landscape is “under review.”

As things stand, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s future at Manchester United hangs in the balance. If the pressure from fans continues to mount and the Saudi takeover rumours prove true, football’s next major power shift could be on the horizon. And for supporters who hoped Ratcliffe would be the man to restore the club’s former glory, the prospect of another ownership change may be both exciting and unsettling in equal measure.

One thing is certain — the saga surrounding Manchester United’s ownership is far from over, and the coming weeks could determine whether Ratcliffe remains the face of the club’s future or becomes another chapter in its turbulent history.