Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United takeover 'delayed until after Christmas'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United is reportedly likely to be delayed until after Christmas due to concerns regarding minority stakeholders.

INEOS' founder has been in pole position to acquire a minority 25 per cent stake in United worth $1.3bn since October when Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani withdrew from the process. The November international break looked set to be the moment Ratcliffe officially arrived at the club but delays have pushed this back.

A report from The Times on Friday suggested a deal could be approved before Christmas but the Financial Times are now refuting that idea. According to their report today, progression with the deal has been hampered due to concern over the future treatment of minority shareholders.

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Sources believed to be close to the saga believe there is concern as to how United’s public shareholders would be treated in any future transactions between Ratcliffe and the Glazers. The Reds' shares are split between A stock and B stock - A stock has ten times less voting power than the B shares which are exclusively owned by the American family.

Certain members of United's 12-person boardroom are thought to be worried that the Glazers could be allowed privileges which will not be afforded to other shareholders, particularly allowing the family to cash out on terms. However, the FT's sources are believed to be confident of a solution being found although there is strong opposition towards minority shareholders being potentially undercut.

While an imminent announcement is not completely ruled out, it appears likely that a breakthrough will now be found