In February Sir Jim purchased a 27.7% stake in Manchester United from the Glazers, an American family who bought the football club in 2005. Unusually this minority share, which cost around $1.6bn, gave Sir Jim control over sporting operations.

Manchester United are under intense scrutiny at the moment and while Erik ten Hag is the focus, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not avoided its gaze

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has refused to give assurances to under-fire manager Erik ten Hag while insisting a decision on the Dutchman's future is out of his hands.