Sir Jim Ratcliffe to meet Man Utd boss and players after first trip since takeover deal

Sir Jim Ratcliffe held meetings at Old Trafford today, his first visit since news of his deal to buy 25-per-cent of the club was announced.

Reports in the national press claim he will be in Manchester for a couple of days and will also meet boss Erik ten Hag and the playing squad later this week. The INEOS boss is expected to see his 25% stake ratified by the Premier League in the next four to six weeks.

Last week, Sir Dave Brailsford started work at Manchester United as Ratcliffe waits for his 25% stake in the club to be approved by the Premier League. Seen in the stands watching the Aston Villa win and Nottingham Forest defeat, the former British cycling supremo is a trusted aide of the INEOS boss whose top team are taking control of football operations at Old Trafford. 

The Daily Mail report: "Ratcliffe will hold meetings at Old Trafford on Tuesday after arriving at the stadium from the airport where his private jet was pictured this morning. It’s understood the 71-year-old is in town for a few days and will meet Erik ten Hag and the players at Carrington later in the week. The squad have been given the day off but are due back in on Wednesday."

They add that this is the start of a ‘looking, learning and listening’ exercise, while Ineos wait for ratification of their 25 per cent deal.