The '£1bn problem' that could derail Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover of Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is being touted as the man to potentially answer the prayers of countless Manchester United fans, having confirmed his interest in buying the club.

The British billionaire’s interest was confirmed by a spokesperson on Wednesday, following reports the Glazers are considering selling a minority stake in United. It remains to be seen whether they would be open to selling the club, but Ratcliffe is one of few people who could genuinely finance a takeover.

Ratcliffe has previously been linked with a potential takeover of the club but has talked down the possibility. His view appears to have changed now, with a spokesperson telling The Times: “If the club is up for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.”

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A takeover by Ratcliffe is by no means a guarantee. In fact, a major stumbling block has already been identified.

Speaking back in 2019 to BBC Radio 5 Live, Ratcliffe's brother, Bob, said: "We spent quite a lot of time looking at Premier League clubs. We looked at the valuation of Premiership clubs and £5bn in revenues for the Premier League and top six clubs being valued at £2bn and upwards, and £450m of net profit before tax.

"[It's] pretty difficult to rationalise purchases in the Premier League at this time for us and then, if you look below the top six, they're all £150m and above and you're going to write a cheque for £50m and get in the 'Everton Cup'. There was some early exchange [with Chelsea] but we were a significant way apart on valuations.

"The issue with Chelsea is its stadium. We are all getting older and it is a decade of your life to resolve that."

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