Who does Sir Jim Ratcliffe support? Manchester United owner's little-known Chelsea affection

Ratcliffe, who bought a 27.5 per cent minority stake in United in February 2024, has rarely been spotted at United games since the takeover, despite claiming to be a boyhood fan of the club.

Ratcliffe has been conspicuous by his absence at United home games and particularly women’s games since taking over the day-to-day running of the club.

The 74-year-old chief executive of petrochemicals company INEOS has, however, been to Stamford Bridge twice in the last three seasons to watch United take on Chelsea, raising questions as to where his loyalty truly lies.

Despite being born and bred in Greater Manchester, Ratcliffe previously held a season ticket at Chelsea and made an unsuccessful eleventh-hour bid to buy the club when they were put up for sale in 2022.

Ratcliffe, who was born seven miles from Old Trafford in Failsworth, was described by United’s website in February 2024 as a “lifelong Red” who “stood on the Stretford End in his youth.”

He has in the past, though, admitted to having a “split allegiance” between Chelsea and United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe does not often grace Old Trafford with his presence

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After spending the first 10 years of his life in Failsworth, his family moved to Hull before business interests took him to London - INEOS’ UK headquarters can be found in Knightsbridge.

In an interview with the Telegraph in 2018, Ratcliffe said that while he had a Chelsea season ticket, he remained a United fan “really”.

"I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea,” he said

"Have been for years, although I'm a Manchester United fan really."

Pressed on why he decided to pursue a late bid for Chelsea in 2022, Ratcliffe admitted he had watched the Blues for years because it was difficult to get up to Manchester to watch United.

"I have a split allegiance. I watched Chelsea when I was in London for years, it was difficult to go and see United,” Ratcliffe told BBC Sport.

Ratcliffe’s attendance at Stamford Bridge in the last couple of years has been a bad omen for United, with Chelsea winning both times he has attended. He was not there to watch Michael Carrick’s side steal a 1-0 win in April 2026.

His overall record at games he has attended since taking minority control of United stands at 12 wins, seven draws, and 10 losses, though he was there to congratulate the team when they won the 2024 FA Cup final.