Manchester United fans have contrasting theories on Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover comments

Manchester United supporters have contrasting theories on takeover comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe after he finally broke silence on his desire to buy the club. Sir Jim was pressed on interest during an event in London hosted by The Financial Times in association with his company Ineos on Tuesday night.

Streamed online, the event saw Sir Jim discuss several business and entrepreneurial topics. However, talk switched to his beloved Reds eventually and that is what prompted a storm on social media and beyond.

When pressed on takeover proposals, the 69-year-old confirmed that he would have been interested in purchasing the club this summer had it become available. However, as per his comments, the Glazers are not willing to sell and, as such, his intent to buy was stopped before it had begun.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe on his takeover interest and meeting the Glazers

He said: "They don't want to sell it. It's owned by the six children of the father and they don't want to sell it."

Sir Jim added: "If it had been for sale in the summer then, yes, we would have probably had a go following on from the Chelsea thing, but we can't sit around hoping that one day Manchester United will become available. We have a very exciting sporting franchise, but the one thing we don't have is a premier team."

Reports published in August suggested Ratcliffe would, initially, be open to buying a minority stake in United with plans for him to eventually take full control at Old Trafford. However, while he confirmed as much on Tuesday night, there appears to be a major stumbling block owing to the current ownership.

Needless to say, supporters have reacted to this update in their droves, suggesting Ratcliffe might well be keeping his