Sir Jim Ratcliffe still in the race to buy Man United as respected journalist drops update

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly still in the race to buy Manchester United after a respected journalist dropped an update on the saga.

United were first put up for sale by the Glazers back in November 2022.

So far, it has been widely reported that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Ratcliffe are leading the race to buy the Old Trafford club.

This week, it was reported that Sheikh Jassim is closing in on a deal to buy United and that a takeover could be completed by mid-October.

However, during a fans Q&A session on the Daily Mail, respected journalist Mike Keegan claimed that INEOS boss Ratcliffe is still in the hunt.

When asked if there is a clear favourite in the race to buy United, Keegan wrote: “Another easy one... I don't think there is one. I think that negotiations are continuing with both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's groups with a view to getting either of them closer to the asking price.

“There are other details to consider. The Sheikh Jassim offer is seen as 'cleaner' in that it is for 100% of the shares, at once.”

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He continued: “However, the Sir Jim Ratcliffe offer has potential issues given the way it is structured and how it may be received by the owners of shares who are not called Glazer.

“At face value, that may make Sheikh Jassim favourite but, based on what we know about the Glazers, I would be amazed if the winner is not the group that offers them the most money.”

When asked if the club will be sold this year, Keegan said: “My read on it is that Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have lodged their bids, they are not at a level the Glazers are prepared to accept.

“Raine are currently trying to bridge that gap. Things can change quickly but my latest info is that there has been little to indicate a sale is imminent.”

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He added: “It's worth noting that even if we get to a stage where a bid is accepted, which is not a given, the due process - Premier League owners and directors' tests etc - have to follow, which will add a couple of months. Bearing all of the above in mind I would say end of this year is slightly optimistic. I should be an MP with an answer like that, I know…”