Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly interested in putting forward a bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United.
The 70-year-old billionaire has previously been linked with buying United, following a failed attempt to buy Chelsea in May, but the door has now reopened.
The news follows the Glazer family’s announcement on Tuesday night stating that they would consider offers for either a partial or full sale of the club.
“The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1bn fans and followers,” said Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors of the club, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer.
“As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the Board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.”
The Independent has claimed that Ratcliffe stated the new opportunity is “too tempting and unique” to not engage in the process, after having turned down Liverpool FC.
Although Britain’s richest man, it is likely that he will face competition from several different parties, one who also attempted to buy Chelsea.
Apple and Amancio Ortega have both reportedly shown interest in Manchester United, joining a roster of big names to have previously expressed a desire of taking over the top-flight side.
Ratcliffe is said to be a big fan of United after having grown up in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
He previously said at a Financial Times Live event: “It’s owned by the six children of the father. If it had been for sale in the summer, yes we would probably have had a go following on from the Chelsea thing. But we can’t sit around hoping one day Manchester United will become available.”
Since the Glazers’ £790m leveraged buy-out of United in 2005, there have been multiple protests against their ownership, such as in May 2021 when fans evaded the pitch and caused a home match against Liverpool to be postponed.
