so, we have been waiting for this for a long time. how much of a surprise as this? i for a long time. how much of a surprise as this? for a long time. how much of a surprise as this? i think that this is the christmas surprise as this? i think that this is the christmas present - surprise as this? i think that this is the christmas present that - surprise as this? i think that this| is the christmas present that lots of manchester united fans would have wanted. you pose the question how big of a surprise. this deal has been potentially 13 months in the making, there have been times we have been told it was imminent, that would happen a week from now, two weeks from now, and it hasn t done so. so perhaps a surprise and not as a prize at the same time. sarahjim ratcliffe, one of the richest men in britain, a boyhood manchester united fan, has acquired a 25% minority share in the club. i think the important part of the statement is that his ineos group will be in charge of fo