Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bizarre Manchester United takeover move could create new enemy for fans

For years, Manchester United fans have shared the common aim of getting the Glazers out of Old Trafford.

At every single match, the terraces ring out with calls for the owners to sell up and leave after presiding over a severe downturn in form - particularly over the past decade. This is why there were faint glimmers of optimism when the American family announced a 'strategic review' into their ownership.

"All options are on the table," the Glazers claimed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani positioned themselves as favourites to purchase the club. However, in the months which have followed the Reds have been left in limbo waiting for the owners to make their minds up.

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It has been frustrating for all involved as protests ramped up but the Glazers remained unbudged. Until last night, they remained Public Enemy No.1 however this could have all changed.

According to Sky News, Ratcliffe is now contemplating the idea of buying a minority stake in the Reds to end the takeover deadlock. It is thought the INEOS chief would buy 25 per cent of the Glazers' shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

While this would dilute the Glazers' stranglehold on United, it would not remove them as the majority stakeholders in the club. Truly, should Ratcliffe decide to commit to this new approach, it could be one of the most baffling decisions in this entire saga.

The 70-year-old will argue his hands were tied because of the Glazers' indecision but from a fan perspective it looks like little more than a power grab. It is clear Ratcliffe is perhaps not the most die-hard United fan in the world - his