In what would be one of the most shocking developments in football history, reports have emerged suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering selling his stake in Manchester United to none other than Elon Musk.
The alleged deal, valued at around $7 billion, has sent waves of speculation through the football community.
According to these claims, Ratcliffe, who only recently acquired a controlling share in the club’s football operations, has become disheartened by a combination of the club’s poor performances, intense scrutiny, and growing fan dissatisfaction.
Insiders allege that Ratcliffe has struggled under the relentless weight of expectation that comes with running one of the world’s biggest football institutions.
The mounting pressure from supporters demanding swift change, coupled with a series of humiliating results on the pitch, has reportedly drained his enthusiasm for the project.
Sources claim this has prompted him to consider a dramatic exit just months into his tenure, redirecting INEOS’s footballing ambitions towards French side OGC Nice, which is said to present fewer political challenges and a cleaner slate compared to Manchester United.
Enter Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his ventures Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), is said to be intrigued by the idea of transforming Manchester United into what he calls the “biggest sports-tech project in history.”
Allegedly, Musk envisions a revolution at Old Trafford built on cutting-edge technology, from advanced data analytics to enhance player performance, to reimagining the fan experience through futuristic innovations.
His potential involvement has sparked debates over whether this would usher in a groundbreaking era for the club or risk turning it into another high-profile experiment.
If such a takeover were to happen, it would represent one of the most dramatic ownership changes in Premier League history. However, it also raises major questions about the club’s identity and future.
Would Musk’s tech-driven approach align with Manchester United’s storied traditions, or would it shift the focus away from footballing values toward commercial and technological ventures?
Despite the sensational nature of these reports, there is currently no verified evidence to support them. Ratcliffe’s 27.7% stake in Manchester United was only finalized recently, with INEOS taking over key football operations, including recruitment and infrastructure development.
The group has already committed significant investment to upgrading Carrington training facilities and exploring stadium renovations, all of which suggest a long-term vision rather than an abrupt sale.
Moreover, Elon Musk has never made a formal bid for Manchester United. His only connection to the club came in 2022 when he jokingly tweeted about buying them before clarifying it was not serious.
No credible outlet, from BBC Sport to Sky Sports or The Athletic, has reported any ongoing negotiations between Musk and Ratcliffe.
For now, this story appears to be little more than dramatic speculation. Until an official statement from the club or a reputable source confirms otherwise, fans should treat these rumors with caution.
While the idea of Musk owning Manchester United sparks curiosity and debate, the reality is that Ratcliffe remains fully committed to his current project, and no evidence suggests an imminent sale.
