Kasper Schmeichel gives insight into Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership amid Manchester United offer

Kasper Schmeichel has revealed inside information about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership as the INEOS founder bids to buy Manchester United.

Ever since the Glazer family declared United for sale, Ratcliffe and Qatar-based Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani have been the frontrunners in the race to buy the Old Trafford club.

Last week, the third round of bidding concluded and it has been reported that a preferred bidder could be announced soon.

On Monday night, Schmeichel, who now plays for Ratcliffe’s OGC Nice was asked about the 70-year-old’s interest in United.

The former Leicester goalkeeper told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “One of the biggest reasons that I joined Nice was because of INEOS and because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, their vision and how they want to evolve their sports.

“Because they've been successful, not just in business, but in every other sporting venture they've thrown their investment at. I think with Manchester United particularly, Jim [Ratcliffe] is a big fan of the club and that speaks a lot to fans.

“He's someone coming in who cares deeply about the club. From my own experience at Nice, he's a man who is present, he comes to games, a guy that's knowledgable about football and who has a vast knowledge about performance in general.”

Schmeichel continued: “He has people like Dave Brailsford working for him, who again, are present and I think that's the main thing with any club I've played at, look at Leicester, for example, the owners are present and there is not a divide.

“So I think - and I'm biased hoping INEOS are the preferred bidders - let's wait and see.”

Ratcliffe bought Nice back in 2019 and aside from football, has also invested in other sports such as cycling and Formula 1, with INEOS being one of the main sponsors of Mercedes’ F1 team.