FILE PHOTO: Manchester United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving Old Trafford. PICTURE: Football365
0 
0 MANCHESTER: The British billionaire is set to be contacted by Raine Group, who are working on the sale, ‘within days’.
Manchester United’s current owners the Glazers have reportedly named British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe as their preferred bidder over Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have submitted offers to purchase the 20-time English champions, although only the former wants to buy 100% of the club.
Ratcliffe is only looking for a controlling stake in Man United at this moment in time, and there have been claims that the Glazer family could stay on as minority shareholders under the proposed agreement.
Sports finance expert Dr Dan Plumley has claimed that Sheikh Jassim is leading the race to buy the club due to the size of his bid, which is believed to be in excess of £5bn.
However, according to The Sun, the Glazers have chosen Ratcliffe as their preferred bidder, and the British billionaire is set to be contacted by Raine Group, who are working on the sale, ‘within days’.
The report claims that the American owners would rather hand majority control to Ratcliffe than sell the whole club to Sheikh Jassim despite the recent rumours that the Qatari is leading the race.
There have been claims that Ratcliffe could complete a full takeover within three years of taking control, although the complexities surrounding the deal are yet to be agreed.
Any move that sees the Glazers remain at the club is likely to prove to be incredibly unpopular with the Man United fans, who continue to protest against the American owners.
Sheikh Jassim has allegedly pledged to invest an additional £800m, separate from his main offer, into the infrastructure of the club, including improving Old Trafford and the club’s training ground.
The Qatari is also said to be ready to make significant transfer funds available for this summer’s window, with the club looking to spend big on a new centre-forward.
About Author
