Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Man Utd takeover plans revealed as 'greedy' Chelsea claim made

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United takeover plans have been revealed in a report that also lays bare why the billionaire's Chelsea bid failed.

United’s controversial owners, The Glazers have been examining potential sources of outside investment in the club, which ultimately could result in a full sale.

The Americans, who bought the Reds 18 years ago in a £790million deal largely funded by dept, have seen their time at United marked by fan protest, a decaying Old Trafford, and a decline in on-pitch performances.

Indeed, United have not won the Premier League since 2013, the year Sir Alex Ferguson retired, while they have not won a major trophy of any kind since 2017.

While the club have been linked to several prospective buyers a name that re-appears time and time again is Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan that also happens to be one of Britain’s richest men.

Ratcliffe assessing United takeover

The Telegraph claim that Ratcliffe is continuing to monitor the situation closely, though is yet to have begun talks over an acquisition of United.

Ratcliffe, who is the chairman and CEO of the Ineos chemicals group, is thought to be ready to table a bid for United.

However, the figure offered will be dependent on the club’s qualification for the Champions League, which will be determined in May.

The clock is now ticking on a deal, as senior figures at United have reportedly issued a mid-February deadline for formal offers.

Nevertheless, the Ineos owner, worth some £12.16billion, will likely leave it late to enter direct talks with United, just as he had done when attempting to buy Chelsea last year.

While several senior figures at Ineos declined to comment on the Telegraph report, insiders have told the publication that Ratcliffe is serious about bidding for the Old Trafford club.

The Glazers have allegedly set a price of between £6 billion and £8 billion for the club and Ratcliffe is known to be wary about overpaying.

The Telegraph claimed that Ratcliffe’s Chelsea bid failed last year as the petrochemicals giant initially thought the club were being “too greedy”.

Topics: Football, Manchester United

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.