At Old Trafford, some twenty journalists were called to a quick meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new investor in Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe stood more imposingly than Andre Onana for Tottenham’s equaliser. The Old Trafford press conference room dais brought Ratcliffe—who is taller than six feet—closer to the ceiling.
“Hello,” he said, a little shyly. “I’m here to say nothing, really.”
Twenty journalists were brought into the room about two hours prior to kickoff for a quick introduction to the local lad who’s so good he’s worth £29.688 billion.
A videographer and a photographer took up positions. It was widely assumed by journalists that Ratcliffe would pursue the story. After Erik ten Hag’s first news conference in the same room, some had learned their lesson by not getting up to shake hands.
Although Old Trafford features some winding hallways, Ratcliffe’s path to the media centre was simple. A few feet away, right across from the press conference room entrance, is the directors’ lounge side door.