Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended a business summit in Antwerp on Tuesday as he awaits final confirmation that his £1.3bn deal to buy 25 per cent of Manchester United has gone through.
The deal was approved by the Premier League last week and full ratification is expected imminently once given the green light by the FA.
That appears to be a mere formality, and Ratcliffe seems ready for his new role as United part-owner after wearing a red tie – the colours of the Red Devils – at the European Industry Summit ‘A Business Case for Europe’.
Ratcliffe was also seen listening intently to key speeches at the summit.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended a business summit in Antwerp on Tuesday morning
He was seen speaking to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (third left) and European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen (purple shirt)
Ratcliffe also listened intently to key speeches at the event – all while wearing a red tie
The 71-year-old is still waiting on official confirmation of his deal to buy 25 per cent of United, but he has wasted little time in getting down to work at Old Trafford.
After his investment was announced by the club on Christmas Eve, Ratcliffe met the United players and manager Erik ten Hag last month.
He also attended his first game following the announcement when the 13-time Premier League champions drew 2-2 with Tottenham on January 14.
The British billionaire has been working hard away from the pitch as well as he attempts to get United back to the top of English football.
United appointed the highly-rated Omar Berrada as their new chief executive in January after enticing him away from bitter rivals Manchester City.
Berrada is set to join the club in the summer after being placed on gardening leave until the end of the season.
Ratcliffe is still awaiting final confirmation that his deal to buy a 25 per cent stake on Man United has gone through
United have since moved on to bringing in a new sporting director, and have set their sights on Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth, who previously thrived at the FA and Brighton, has also been placed on gardening leave after telling Newcastle that he wants to depart the club.
His contract at St James’ Park is due to run until 2026, and United must now decide whether to agree a compensation fee with the Magpies for an early release from his contract or wait another two years for Ashworth.
A figure of £20m has been touted, and United are believed to have baulked at this, but they could now negotiate further in a bid to reach a compromise with Newcastle.
