Manchester United’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe Faces a £6.4 Billion Wealth Decline Amidst Club’s Struggles
In the world of sports, financial ups and downs are as much a part of the game as the matches themselves. This time, the spotlight is on Manchester United’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has experienced a significant drop in his wealth. According to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, Ratcliffe’s wealth has plummeted by a staggering £6.473 billion ($8.6bn) over the past year.
This decline represents about a quarter of Ratcliffe’s total wealth, which has decreased from £23.519bn ($31bn) to £17.046bn ($22.5bn). The 72-year-old business mogul, who took a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024, has been at the helm of the club’s football operations. However, his tenure has been anything but smooth, with United enduring their worst-ever Premier League campaign this season.
Ratcliffe has invested more than £300m ($398m) into Manchester United, but the club’s performance has not reflected this financial commitment. The British billionaire has spearheaded significant changes at the club, including staff redundancies, cost-cutting measures, a rise in ticket prices, and plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.
According to The Guardian, Ratcliffe’s petrochemical businesses have incurred debts that are five to six times more than the company’s annual earnings. This financial strain has undoubtedly impacted his wealth and, by extension, his involvement with Manchester United.
United’s strict financial measures have led to some unusual situations. Manager Ruben Amorim, for instance, has had to pay for 30 of his backroom staff to take their families to the upcoming Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain. This gesture came after the club informed him that his coaches, physios, and support team would need to cover their own ticket costs.
Manchester United is set to face Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21. The stakes are high, with Europa League glory and a place in next season’s Champions League on the line for the victors.
Despite his financial setbacks, Ratcliffe, who once topped the list as Britain’s richest person, has slipped to seventh place this year. Meanwhile, in the world of sports, golfer Rory McIlroy holds the title of the richest athlete on the list, ranking 19th with a net worth of £260m ($345m). The richest British footballer is Harry Kane, who has increased his net worth by £25m to £100m ($132m).
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s wealth has dropped by £6.473 billion.
- Manchester United has had its worst-ever Premier League campaign.
- Ruben Amorim paid for his staff’s Europa League final tickets.
- Rory McIlroy is the richest athlete on the list.
- Harry Kane is the richest British footballer.
As Manchester United fans and football enthusiasts watch these developments unfold, the question remains: Can Ratcliffe’s financial acumen and investments turn the tide for the club, or will the challenges continue to mount? Only time will tell.
Originally Written by: ESPN
