Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made the highest bid for Manchester United (Picture: Reuters)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has received a boost to his hopes of completing a takeover of Manchester United with the battle for ownership of the club taking a twist.
It was believed that Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani had submitted a world-record £5 billion bid to buy United and it has long been thought that he was the favourite to take control.
But according to new reports, there has been confusion over his offer, which is now thought to include both debt and pledged investment of around £0.8 billion.
That would appear to mean that Ratcliffe values the club higher than his Qatari rival, making the British billionaire’s bid more attractive to the Glazers.
The current United owners want £6 billion to sell the Red Devils and it is worth noting that no-one offered that amount in their third and final offers – which were submitted before Friday’s deadline.
Unlike Sheikh Jassim, though, it is reported that Ratcliffe’s bid would see the Glazers remain as minority shareholders, which may interest the Americans.
Ratcliffe’s current proposal would see them take a back seat but the Glazers have also not ruled out maintain control of the club and bringing in new investment.
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Friday’s deadline did not apply to bidders who only want a minority stake in the club such as the Carlyle Group and Elliott Management.
The Glazers have owned United since 2005 and most fans are desperate to see the back of them.
There have been regular protests against their ownership while green and yellow scarfs have become an anti-Glazer symbol.
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Confusion over Sheikh Jassim’s offer…
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