Profile: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sporting life

The incoming Manchester United co-owner has invested hundreds of millions in sport, from a Swiss league club to a sub-2 hour marathon runner. Does this give him an edge as he seeks to turn around United’s fortunes?
At the heart of Ratcliffe’s sporting empire is Sir Dave Brailsford, who transformed British cycling into a world leader. Can Sir Dave successfully cross over into another sport?
Why it matters: Financial resources have not been an issue for United in a decade when they have fallen behind. Knowledge and experience may be more important when it comes to turning the corner.
The perspective: INEOS don’t expect to make any money from their sports investments. Is it just a passion project for Britain’s richest man? Do they have enough desire to succeed?

In the summer of 2016, following England’s humiliating exit to Iceland at the European Championships in France, the Football Association brought in a panel of “wise men” from other sports to help try and make football less insular and to learn lessons from beyond the famously narrow vision of English football.

Coming under the direction of the FA’s technical director, Dan Ashworth, the panel included the former England rugby manager, Stuart Lanc

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