.jpg)
A potential new investor at Manchester United could look to use the media in an attempt to get a "discount" deal according to a recent report.
United's American owners announced in November that they were seeking new investment into the Red Devils and that they wouldn't rule out a full scale sale of the club.
Many potential investors have been rumoured but it's the interest of Manchester born billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe that has caught the eye.
Advert
Finance expert Kieran Maguire has recently spoken to Football Insider and he believes that Ratcliffe may use the "emotional connection" he has with the club to secure a cut price deal.
He's currently the only person to publicly declare his interest in buying the club and because he is local he's likely to be the preferred choice amongst United fans.
Maguire said: “Ratcliffe’s approach when he tried to buy Chelsea was to go via the media rather than keep things quiet and go through the Raine Group.
“It could be seen as an attempt to gain populist support by going local. That might be with a view to getting the club at a discount.
Advert
“I think he is now trying to use other emotional and historic links between himself and Manchester as leverage.”
The Glazers are angry
It's not just Kieran Maguire who has reservations over Ratcliffe's interest in the Red Devils either, it appears the club themselves don't think he would meet their asking price of offers in access of £6billion.
Advert
United officials have been "scathing" about the Brits' plan and are convinced that the INEOS owner has no intention of meeting the Glazer's demands, according to the Mail.
Formal bids for the club are expected next week, and whilst Ratcliffe's interest is known, the identity of his competition still remains a mystery.
However, given the size of United, it's likely they will receive interest from all over with reports suggesting investors from the Middle East, Asia and the USA are lining up.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Football