This morning, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared an astonishing development: Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea, is reportedly close to making a bid for Manchester United. The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly as it follows the unexpected announcement by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of INEOS, that he is putting Manchester United up for sale.
Abramovich, who was forced to sell Chelsea in 2022 following UK government sanctions, is now said to be showing a strong interest in acquiring the Manchester-based club.
During his ownership of Chelsea, which spanned almost two decades, Abramovich transformed the club into a footballing powerhouse. Under his leadership, Chelsea won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and Champions League trophies, establishing themselves as one of the dominant teams in European football. The possibility of Abramovich returning to English football, and especially to a historic rival like Manchester United, has taken many by surprise and stirred excitement among fans.
Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous and successful football clubs, has been at the center of an ongoing ownership dispute. For months, Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim have been vying for control of the club, with both sides presenting bids in an attempt to acquire ownership from the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe’s sudden decision to sell, after previously negotiating for a partial stake in the club, has opened the door for new buyers to step in. Abramovich’s emergence as a potential contender for ownership has added a dramatic twist to the saga.
If Abramovich succeeds in purchasing Manchester United, it could mark the beginning of another period of significant financial investment in the club, reminiscent of the high-spending era he ushered in at Chelsea. During his time in charge of Chelsea, Abramovich was known for his willingness to spend heavily on transfers, bringing in top talent that helped the club dominate both domestically and in Europe.
His involvement with Manchester United could reignite the club’s ambitions to return to the top of European football, as they seek to rebuild and recapture the success they enjoyed during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure. In recent years, Manchester United has struggled with inconsistent performances and results, making Abramovich’s potential takeover all the more intriguing for fans and observers alike.
Though the reported bid is still in its early stages, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days and weeks. The prospect of Abramovich’s return to the Premier League has major implications not only for Manchester United but for English football as a whole. Football fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting further updates as this story continues to unfold.
