Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff tells Man United fans what they can expect from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Mercedes Formula 1 team boss Toto Wolff has given an X-rated view on what Manchester United can expect from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Earlier in the month, it was reported that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and his Qatari consortium have pulled out of the race to buy Manchester United.
As a result, British billionaire and INEOS boss Ratcliffe is now set to agree a deal to buy a 25 per cent stake at United.
Ratcliffe is already a prolific figure in F1 after he invested in the Mercedes team.
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Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, team principal Wolff was asked about Ratcliffe’s potential deal with United.
He said: “Jim and his partners, [INEOS chief executive] Andy [Currie] and [finance director] John [Reece], are first of all very complimentary.
“This is a no bull**** organisation. They are huge in terms of revenue and profit. Decisions are being made quickly – three bullet points on a page and ‘here we go’. With Jim all the bull**** is cut out. So I think wherever he gets his power, and his resource and character behind it, that’s going to be an add-on for any team.”
Wolff continued: “He’s a Manchester boy. He has the resources that are needed, the heart is in the right place for this team and I’m sure he can be very creative for Manchester United. And for us he’s been a fantastic shareholder, good sounding board and sparring partner for myself.”
Apart from Mercedes, INEOS have already invested in French Ligue 1 side Nice, Swiss club Lausanne and sailing team INEOS Britannia.
If the deal goes ahead, Ratcliffe and INEOS will reportedly take charge of United’s football operation whilst the Glazers will head up the commercial side.
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Marcus Chan