Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to pay up to £1.3 billion and take over control of footballing operations at Manchester United as part of a 25 per cent co-ownership deal
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to pay up to £1.3 billion and take over control of footballing operations at Manchester United as part of a 25 per cent co-ownership deal.
Reports suggest the Ineos founder is on the verge of changing from his majority stake ambition and instead purchase a minority stake at Manchester United after the frustrated Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim withdrew from a deal, citing frustration at the Glazers’ valuation.
The Qatari banker’s team had announced back in February that he had submitted a fifth and final bid of over £5 billion to secure outright ownership of the club and promising a debt-free takeover as well as a commitment to new infrastructure projects.
However, the businessman is set to have been frustrated by numerous delays from the Glazer family, and announced he was walking away from a deal in the last few days.
Meanwhile fans have continued their protests against the Glazer family - who took over the club in 2005 - for dragging on the sale of Manchester United, as the American family still owns about 69 per cent of the club.
Earlier this month it was reported that Ratcliffe was considering changing his offer to be a majority shareholder at the club and instead trying for a minority stake at United.
A board meeting is reported to be scheduled in the coming week where a final agreement could be reached between Ratcliffe - a lifelong Manchester United fan - and the Glazer family.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s side returns to action next Saturday after the international break when they play away to already relegation threatened Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Manchester United currently sit 10th in the Premier League.
