The transfer window is always a stressful time for managers and owners, but Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has had a lot of frustration.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced utter disappointment on Friday after two potential deals fell through in quick succession.
The Manchester United co-owner also has a majority stake in French side Nice, an arrangement he was keen to end as takeover talks intensified. A US consortium reportedly held advanced talks to acquire the club, which survived Brexit on the final day of the campaign.
Ratcliffe and INEOS had set a tight deadline of June 15 to complete the sale, but Good Content, via Football News France, reported that the contract is now completely broken.
Potential buyers had reached the stage of visiting Nice’s training facility. However, they were unable to provide the required financial guarantees and assurances of sporting stability.
Ratcliffe bought the club through INEOS in 2019 but has gradually moved away since finalising his investment in Manchester United at the end of 2023.
The petrochemicals magnate has publicly admitted that he has little enjoyment watching the Ligue 1 outfit, an approach that has left supporters increasingly disillusioned with the club’s direction, reports Express.
Ratcliffe is also a member of Ligue 1 side Nice. (Photo: Jonathan Mascroup, Getty Images)
Last year, Ratcliffe admitted: “I don’t particularly enjoy watching Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is too low to excite me.”
Having already lowered their asking price in an attempt to secure the sale, it is now increasingly likely that Nice will remain under INEOS ownership when the 2026/27 season begins. Off the pitch, Nice need to make plenty of changes after a disastrous campaign that came close to relegation from Ligue 1.
Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel stepped in on a temporary basis last season, but Nice are unlikely to hand over the role permanently. L’Équipe reports that Nice have approached Liam Rosenier, hoping to lure him back to French football after his tumultuous spell at Chelsea.
Liam Rosnier will not take over at Nice before next season. (Photo: Getty Images)
Rosnier built his reputation in the country by managing Strasbourg before moving to Chelsea at the start of 2026. However, he only stayed at Stamford Bridge for four months and is now seeking a complete break from football.
In a more positive development for Ratcliffe, United’s strategy for the summer transfer window is progressing well after reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The club is set to invest more, with competition for Mateos Fernandes increasing.
United have identified the West Ham star as a prime target and have cleared the way for his signature after Arsenal refused to meet their £80m price tag.
