Sir Jim Ratcliffe begging rivals embarrasses Man Utd as penny pinching laid naked

He’s one of the richest men on the planet, with an estimated net worth of more than £20billion.

And if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest attempt at penny pinching is to be believed, it’s not difficult to see why? Manchester United, who Ratcliffe co-owns along with fellow billionaires the Glazers, asked neighbours City if two of their players could hitch a ride on their plane to the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday.

The English champions have chartered a private jet to take their delegation to Paris for the ceremony. But United were informed the plane was full.

Which was embarrassing beyond belief for Ratcliffe and his colleagues at a club still claiming to be the biggest in the world. Not just because he’s got his begging bowl out – and gone cap in hand to one of the two clubs United fans hate more than the rest.

But also because it gave City officials an open goal when it came to gloating their plane was full, because they had more nominations. What’s happened to United’s self respect?

Perhaps Ratcliffe could go the whole hog and get Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to thumb a lift from Manchester to the French capital?

They might not get there on time, but it would be the cheapest option.

Which is all Ratcliffe appears bothered about since riding to the rescue at the start of 2024.