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

United co-owner Ratcliffe, a boyhood Red, held a Chelsea season ticket for years and made a failed 2022 bid for the Blues, admitting to "split allegiance" between the clubs.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will attend Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge, where his divided loyalties have long been a point of intrigue. The 74-year-old INEOS chief bought a 27.5 per cent stake in United in February 2024 and is described by the club as a lifelong fan who stood on the Stretford End in his youth. However, Ratcliffe held a season ticket at Chelsea for years and made an unsuccessful bid to buy the Blues in 2022.

Ratcliffe has been candid about his conflicted allegiances. Born seven miles from Old Trafford in Failsworth, his family moved to Hull before business took him to London, where INEOS' UK headquarters is based in Knightsbridge. In a 2018 Telegraph interview, he said: "I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea. Have been for years, although I'm a Manchester United fan really." When pressed on his 2022 Chelsea bid, he told BBC Sport: "I have a split allegiance. I watched Chelsea when I was in London for years, it was difficult to go and see United."

Ratcliffe has been notably absent from most United games since taking over day-to-day operations, though he has attended Stamford Bridge twice in three seasons—both times Chelsea won. His overall record at games he has attended since taking control stands at 12 wins, seven draws, and 10 losses.