Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed his opposition to the introduction of a football regulator and has shown understanding towards Manchester City’s challenge to the Premier League’s rules. Ratcliffe, who has a 27.7% stake in United, has been given control over day-to-day operations by the Glazer family. He has made several key appointments, including a new technical director and a future chief executive. Ratcliffe has also overseen a £50m upgrade of the club’s training complex. However, he is also concerned about wider issues in the game, such as the potential introduction of a government-backed football regulator.
Ratcliffe believes that having a government regulator would lead to excessive regulation, which he believes would not be beneficial for the sport. The plans for a football regulator were part of the Football Governance Bill, which was halted due to the General Election. However, both the Conservative and Labour parties have committed to the bill if they form the next government. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously warned about the potential negative consequences of a regulator, which could threaten the league’s status as the most lucrative in the world.
In addition to the issue of a football regulator, Premier League clubs are also facing other regulatory challenges. City is currently challenging the legality of the league’s associated party transaction (APT) rules, which determine whether sponsorship deals are financially fair. Ratcliffe understands why City is challenging these rules, as they want an open market and a free market. Many top-flight clubs are also against the idea of providing additional funds to potential rivals.
At its recent annual meeting, Premier League clubs agreed to trial an “anchoring” plan, which would link spending to the revenues of the club that finishes at the bottom of the table. However, Ratcliffe is not in favor of this plan and believes there is already too much regulation in football. He argues that it would prevent top clubs from competing with European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG. Ratcliffe believes that the Premier League should focus more on the sport itself rather than getting caught up in legal battles.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is trying to balance its need to comply with profit and sustainability rules with its desire to strengthen the squad under manager Erik ten Hag. The club has had a £35m bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite rejected and is unwilling to meet the £70m asking price. They are considering alternative defensive options, including Lille’s Leny Yoro, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid. United is also looking to strengthen their attack and is competing with AC Milan for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.
United believes they have enough room within their profit and sustainability submissions to make one signing before the reporting date of 30 June. However, they are also in advanced talks with other clubs, which could result in the departure of Mason Greenwood, who the club has resolved to sell. Overall, Manchester United is facing multiple challenges, both on and off the pitch, as they navigate the complex world of financial regulations and player transfers.