BD Cricket Live reports that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has recently arrived at Manchester United for negotiations with the club’s leadership. His visit marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions following the Glazer family’s decision to consider selling the club. Among the interested parties, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim is also pursuing a full takeover, while several investment groups are prepared to financially back a potential acquisition of the Premier League giant.
Prospective bidders were recently granted a 10-day extension to submit revised offers, and Ratcliffe’s appearance aligns with this timeline. According to sources, Ratcliffe is primarily interested in acquiring a majority stake — around 69% — currently held by the Glazers. In contrast, Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari consortium aims for a complete 100% buyout of the club.
Earlier, the Qatari group held discussions with staff at Old Trafford regarding their plans. Ratcliffe’s visit was reportedly welcomed by Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold, underscoring the seriousness of his intent. In a public statement released through BD Cricket Live, Ratcliffe detailed his vision: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS have officially submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club.
He emphasized that his group aims to act as long-term stewards of the club, representing the interests of both fans and the wider community. Ratcliffe expressed an ambitious goal — to reinvest in Manchester United and restore its standing as the world’s leading football institution. Acknowledging the current crossroads in UK football governance, Ratcliffe conveyed a desire to guide the sport into a new era. His vision centers on making United a beacon for modern, progressive, fan-focused ownership while enriching the cultural fabric of English football.
The proposal also aims to reconnect Manchester United with its historical roots in Northwest England, anchoring its identity back in the city of Manchester. Central to his plan is a renewed commitment to winning the UEFA Champions League — a target the club’s fanbase would certainly embrace. Life may throw curveballs, but as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining.
Despite the high-profile interest from multiple parties, there’s still a chance the Glazer family could choose to retain ownership. After all, they’ve controlled the club for nearly 18 years. Nevertheless, bidders have until the new deadline to submit fresh offers, and both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim are scheduled to meet with Manchester United officials before then.
Interestingly, BD Cricket Live notes that one of the six Glazer siblings may remain involved with the club even if a sale goes through. As the situation unfolds, the next chapter in Manchester United’s storied legacy is still being written — and all eyes are on Old Trafford.