Paddy Power release 1,000 commemorative items to mark Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent stake in Man United and protest against the Glazers

Manchester United fans have been given a novel way to celebrate Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club being approved – the world’s first quarter-and-three-quarter scarf.

Riffing on the infamous half-and-half tourist scarves, these commemorative items are one quarter traditional United red and black, to welcome Ratcliffe and his INEOS team to Old Trafford, and three quarters green and gold – to represent the ongoing protest against the Glazers.

The scarves – designed by Paddy Power – will be given away outside Old Trafford ahead of United’s first home game in the new era, against Fulham on Saturday February 24. 

There will be 1,000 limited edition scarves given away outside the United ground and a further 100 scarves given away on Twitter (X) later today – ensuring those who can’t make the journey to the game are included in the fun. 

United will be looking to extend their winning run against Luton Town on Sunday afternoon, having registered wins against Aston Villa, West Ham and Wolves in their recent games. 

Manchester United fans have been given a novel way to celebrate Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club being approved – the world’s first quarter-and-three-quarter scarf

Riffing on the infamous half-and-half tourist scarves, these commemorative items are one quarter traditional United red and black, to welcome Ratcliffe and his INEOS team

Then three quarters are green and gold – to represent the ongoing protest against the Glazers

The Red Devils will then take on Fulham – who are sitting 12th in the table, six placed behind them – on February 24, the day Paddy Power will be handing out the limited edition scarves.  

Speaking about the scarves, a spokesman Paddy Power said: ‘The way Manchester United fans are going, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be their biggest ever signing. 

‘It’s just a shame that he’s a 71-year-old Chelsea season ticket holder, and not a decent centre back.

‘Half-and-half scarves always struck me as meaningless, but this quarter-and-three-quarter scarf celebrates a potentially iconic moment in United’s history.

‘Iconic in that either it will mark the fallen giant’s resurgence… or will just kick-start an entire new era of banter. I know what I’m hoping for.’

Man United fans have been seen attending games in non-traditional colours to make a statement. They’ve been pictured wearing yellow and green scarfs to protest against the Glazer family ownership. 

The have swapped their red scarves for yellow and green to pay homage to the club’s former days, having originally been founded under the name Newton Heath Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Football Club in 1878.

Newton Heath played in a yellow and green throughout their 24-year existence before the club eventually changed it’s name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford eight years later. 

Manchester United’s current fanbase have decided to revert back to the gold and green because they feel Newton Heath had better values, with the club being populated by railway workers full of passion for the game. 

The decision to rep the Newton Heath colour came around as the United fans looked to make a statement against the Glazer family – who they believe has been killing the club. 

There will be 1,000 limited edition scarves given away outside the United ground and a further 100 scarves given away on Twitter (X) later today

Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent stake in Manchester United is set to be officially confirmed next week as INEOS have received Premier League approval and are now awaiting the final nod from the FA

Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent stake in Manchester United is set to be officially confirmed next week as INEOS have received Premier League approval and are now awaiting the final nod from the Football Association before the formalities of the deal are completed.

A statement from the league read: ‘Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25 per cent of Manchester United and further investment of $300 million in the club, has been approved by the Premier League board following the completion of the Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

‘The board agreed to the change of the club’s ownership structure last week, and this has now been officially ratified by an Independent Oversight Panel.

‘The Premier League’s Owners’ Charter has also been signed.

‘This is the first acquisition of Control to be reviewed and approved by a new Independent Oversight Panel following changes to the process which were agreed by Premier League clubs in March 2023. The Premier League now awaits confirmation of the transaction’s completion.’

United’s owners, the Glazers, effectively put the club up for sale in November 2022