INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe has declared his interest in buying Manchester United, kicking off a likely bidding war for the club. Ratcliffe has previously expressed interested in purchasing Chelsea but missed out after entering his bid after the deadline for interest had passed.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital won the battle though and Ratcliffe is now interested in acquiring another Premier League club.
Now, with both Liverpool and Manchester United looking at potential extra investment - with the belief that they would sell for the right price - Ratcliffe has entered the fray once more. The British businessman is a Red Devils fan and has gone public with his interest in taking over from the Glazers.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly has three Declan Rice alternatives as Chelsea handed transfer blow by Arsenal
A spokesperson confirmed to the Times on Tueaday that “we have formally put ourselves into the process.” The Glazer family, headed by Malcom Glazer, have owned the club since 2003 and have come under pressure from fans to sell in recent years after performances on the pitch suffered significantly post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ratcliffe, who runs giant chemical company INEOS Group, is worth an estimated $15bn (£12.2bn) and may well have to fork out more than the £4.25bn that Boehly and Co spent on Chelsea, with the figure to acquire Manchester United expected to dwarf that. Even though Chelsea were purchased as reigning world and European champions and a Champions League side with one of the best training and youth facilities around, the prestige and history of Manchester United gives it an added kick.
The sale of Chelsea, plus the level of interest across the world from UK investors as well as state funds, has partially led to the actions of United and Liverpool too. Plus, the sale process is being overseen by Raine Group, the same people in charge of the takeover at Chelsea.
INEOS already have investments in sports teams including Mercedes F1, New Zealand Rugby and the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team (formerly Team Sky.)
READ NEXT:
Chelsea handed Enzo Fernandez transfer hope as £70m bid prepared for January alternative
Fofana, Zakaria, James, Pulisic - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Liverpool clash
Todd Boehly has three Declan Rice alternatives as Chelsea handed transfer blow by Arsenal
Graham Potter can recreate Brighton success as Chelsea receive unexpected Liverpool boost
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
