Gary Neville criticises Man Utd’s ‘truly awful’ timing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe deal

Gary Neville questioned Manchester United’s timing in announcing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent acquisition on Christmas Eve (Mike Egerton/PA)

Gary Neville has described Manchester United’s year a “disgrace to the end” after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club was announced on Christmas Eve.

Neville wished Ineos Group chairman Ratcliffe, 71, a childhood United fan who was born in nearby Failsworth, “all the very best” in attempting to return the club to former glories.