Sir Jim Ratcliffe has invested more money in Manchester United to increase his stake in the club.
Ratcliffe bought 27.7% of the club earlier this year in a deal worth around £1.2bn, but the club's official financial filings show the INEOS boss has invested a further £79m in the club and increased his ownership stake in 28.94% in process.
The shares, which were originally in Ratcliffe's name after the initial takeover, have all been transferred to his company INEOS, formalizing United's place in the group's multi-club portfolio which also includes French side Nice and Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport.
There will be no problems when it comes down to it united and Nice competing in the same European competition as INEOS states that they only own 17% of the French side, meaning that neither INEOS nor Ratcliffe legally have a controlling influence over Nice – meeting UEFA's rules on many clubs.
While the timing of Ratcliffe's latest investment in United could spark excitement ahead of the January transfer window, the funds are unlikely to be used to buy new players and are instead set to contribute to behind-the-scenes business costs.
It leaves the new coach Ruben Amorim operates on a smaller budget than his predecessor Erik ten Hag, with Ratcliffe keen to end high turnover windows and instead trusting Amorim to improve the players currently at his disposal.
The boss's budget can be boosted by the sale of any player and all eyes are on striker Marcus Rashford, who recently admitted his desire to seek a new challenge. gave a mixed response from Amorim.