Manchester United not commenting on Sir Jim Ratcliffe desire to buy club

Manchester United are not commenting on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's desire to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family.

Ratcliffe, from Failsworth in Greater Manchester, wants to talk to the Glazers about buying a minority stake in the club with a view to eventually taking on full ownership, a spokesperson for the multi-billionaire said.

Sixty-nine-year-old Ratcliffe is one of the richest people in the UK. He made his fortune with Ineos, a company he founded in 1998 which is now the fourth-largest chemical business in the world.

Also read: Ratcliffe confirms he wants to buy United

“If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer,” the spokesperson told The Times. “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.

"This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset."

United's share price rose on Thursday in response to a Bloomberg story that said the Glazers were open to selling a minority stake in the club.

It is not clear whether the American family would be open to selling up altogether, although financial sources believe they will have to eventually bring in an investor or sell to improve the club’s cash flow.

United have explored plans to redevelop Old Trafford, which the Glazers have not sanctioned plans to expand during their 17-year ownership, modernise their Carrington training complex and sufficiently invest in the first-team squad but it is doubtful whether the family have the funds or the inclination to meet the demands of supporters.

Ratcliffe is a United fan and failed with a bid to buy