Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been spotted arriving at Manchester United as the prospective buyer takes the next step in takeover talks.
The billionaire INEOS chief is among a number of potential buyers, with current owners the Glazer family having confirmed in November that they were ready to listen to bids. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has also expressed interest, while other groups have been keen to finance takeover bids for the Premier League club.
Ratcliffe's arrival comes amid news that prospective bidders have been given a fresh 10-day deadline to submit improved bids for the club. Ratcliffe is keen to buy the Glazers' shares, amounting to 69 per cent of the club, while Sheikh Jassim has spoken of his desire to complete a 100 per cent takeover.
The Qatari bidder was due at Old Trafford on Thursday to watch a presentation on the takeover process. Ratcliffe's arrival, meanwhile, saw him greeted by United chief Richard Arnold.
Earlier in the week, Ratcliffe brought on board Dave Brailsford to aid with his takeover approach. Brailsford is currently director of sport at INEOS, and previously worked with the British cycling team for their successful 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games campaigns.
"Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club," a statement read in February, confirming the billionaire's plans. "We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.
"We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again. We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads. We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.
"We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the North-West of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League."
Ratcliffe, like representatives of Sheikh Jassim before him, arrived in Manchester to meet club staff and watch a presentation. The businessman, who took over as owner of French club OGC Nice in 2019, was also set for tours of Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground.
Mirror Football understands the Glazers want at least £5bn for their shares. While there is concrete interest from multiple parties, there is still a chance the family decide not to sell the club, who they have owned for some 18 years.
US bank Raine Group are overseeing the sale, as confirmed in the original November statement confirming the Glazers' plans to listen to offers. According to The Mail, bidders were given the new 10-day deadline to return with new bids, and both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim will have met with United staff before this deadline.
One of more of the six Glazer siblings could yet remain at United, even if the club changes ownership. Brothers Joel and Avram have taken prominent roles, while there is a chance the pair retain an interest while their siblings Kevin, Bryan, Edward and Darcie sell their stakes.
