Michael Knighton and Great Britain’s richest man, Sir James Ratcliffe, say their plans to acquire Manchester United move forward.
Knighton is a name familiar to the history of Manchester United. After failing with a bid to buy the club in 1989, he joined the board at United. He departed just a couple of years later, but now returns with increased money. Sir James Ratcliffe, whose billionaire status comes from his CEO position at chemical company Ineos, is the funding leader of the move.
Michael Knighton says everything is “moving forward” as planned, indicating that discussions are happening behind the scenes.
The only problem is that the Glazer family is not looking to sell. The Glazers, which also own the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took full ownership of the club back in 2005. Since then, fans of the club put on boisterous protests against their ownership and management of the club. This boiled over in 2020 when United fans broke into Old Trafford prior to a game.
Regardless, the Glazers seem keen on holding on to the club. It is a revenue machine, with no club in England matching its popularity or sales.
Michael Knighton seeking takeover at Manchester United
With the hefty influx of money coming in each year, it is clear to see why the Glazers do not want to sell. Speaking to the fan channel “Man United the Religion,” Knighton looked to force the issue.
He wants to prepare an official document, even if the club is not up for sale, to send a message. The message is simply ‘it is time to go, and their time is up.’
Over the last several years, Manchester United fell at the wayside to crosstown rivals Manchester City. City runs a business that propagates success both on and off the field.
Knighton added that the current ownership group at Manchester United has no knowledge of the game. Knighton, for better or for worse, played a part as manager at Carlisle during his ownership time at the club. While he did not exactly thrive at the fourth-tier club, he certainly has some knowledge of the game and its nuances.
Michael Knighton is a character. The Glazers are set to remain steadfast in their ownership, despite Knighton’s claims that things are advancing as planned.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
