“Nobody knows…” – Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned by ‘unsure’ Manchester United legend

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been questioned by an unsure Andy Cole after it was revealed he will gain 25% ownership of Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to have his bid for a 25% stake in Manchester United ratified by the club board on Thursday, where he will then gain sporting control of the club.

Although Erik ten Hag‘s position is thought to be under no threat, the same cannot be said for others in the senior management, with changes set to be made within the club’s current sporting structure.

Read More: Paul Mitchell has already explained what he would change at Manchester United

The news comes after Sheikh Jassim pulled out of the bidding process, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly hoping that he can use this minority shareholding to manoeuvre a full takeover at a later date.

The move has been met with criticism though, with Manchester United legend and former striker Andy Cole casting doubt over Ratcliffe’s involvement.

“I’ve not given it much thought to be honest because everybody was expecting the club to be sold in its entirety,” Cole told BetFred.

“Will a 25% ownership from Sir Jim Ratcliffe get Manchester United back to where they’re supposed to be? We need to wait and see. What can Sir Jim influence with 25% ownership? Will more money be spent on transfers? Can the stadium be redeveloped? Nobody knows. 

“Do you believe that a Manchester United fan is going to be delighted that Sir Jim could be coming into the club with a 25% share? I don’t think they would be excited because so many other things have to be done at the club first.

“Manchester United need to be competing at a higher level than they are doing currently, so does a 25% share mean that they’re going to go back to the very top? I’m not quite sure that it does.”