Man Utd takeover on rocks as officials ‘privately scathing’ of Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United officials have been “privately scathing” of prospective owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to buy the club, according to a fresh report.

The billionaire’s chemical firm, Ineos, announced it had formally lodged interest with United’s owners, the Glazer family. An Ineos spokesperson said: "We have formally put ourselves into the process."

Since, Ratcliffe, who is a lifelong United fan, has made no secret of the fact he would like to buy the club.

Man Utd officials ‘scathing’ of Ratcliffe

People within United are allegedly convinced the INEOS owner has no intention of meeting the Glazer’s demand for offers in excess of £6billion.

The publication claimed that the Old Trafford club are convinced the company’s main concern is securing positive publicity.

The billionaire, who is one of Britain’s richest men, also met United co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer for formal talks last August, though insisted at the time the Americans did not want to sell.

Ratcliffe is currently the only party to have formally announced an interest in buying the club.

The MailOnline claims that the process for whoever takes over the club could be concluded before the end of the season.

However, the Glazers are said to not be averse to remaining in control if they do not receive a suitable offer.