Sir Jim Ratcliffe forced to "tighten purse strings" at Nice amid delay in Glazers' Man Utd decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been forced to “tighten the purse strings” this summer, as he awaits a decision from the Glazers over a Manchester United takeover.

It’s been eight months since United owners the Glazers announced they were exploring strategic alternatives for the Old Trafford club, which could result in an outright sale.

Since Ineos owner Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have been embroiled in a fierce battle to take over the Premier League giants from the Glazers.

Sheikh Jassim has made an offer for a 100 per cent takeover of United, while Ratcliffe is merely seeking a majority stake, that allows the Glazers to retain some connection with the club.

As per the Guardian, Sheikh Jassim has become frustrated at the length of the process, with his final offer, a fifth, having been lodged in early June. The Qatari is said to be unsure about the Americans’ intent to sell.

Meanwhile, Ratcliffe is also yet to hear from the United owners but is reportedly prepared for the club’s protracted potential sale to enter the new season if required.

While he reportedly comfortable waiting on a decision, Ratcliffe is thought to be tightening the purse string at Nice, another club in his extensive sporting portfolio.

Ratcliffe and Nice

As per Nice-Matin, Nice will be working with a limited budget this summer as the club’s Ineos owners look to balance the books.

Indeed, Nice spent relatively freely last summer, signing Mattia Viti, Rares Ilie and Alexis Beka for almost €30million (£26million) combined, despite them barely featuring over the course of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the club are reportedly restricting their spending this term, with the club’s Ineos ownership relying on Florent Ghisolfi and Fabrice Bocquet to restore a financial equilibrium.

In turn, the club had initially been handed a meagre transfer budget in the region of €15million (£13million) this summer.

That figure has since risen due to the departure of Kasper Dolberg, Andy Delort and Mattia Viti.

Loanees Nicolas Pépé and Joe Bryan have also left, while Aaron Ramsey and Ross Barkley departed upon the expiry of their contacts. Calvin Stengs is also expected to sign for Antwerp imminently.

Despite the transfer window having opened a month ago, Les Aiglons are yet to have signed a player - the only side in the entire Ligue 1 yet to have welcomed at least one recruit.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Nice, Premier League, Ligue 1

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.