Erik ten Hag has revealed he shook hands with Sir Jim Ratcliffe after meeting Manchester United's potential new owner on Friday.
INEOS chief Ratcliffe visited Old Trafford for a presentation on the takeover process of the Premier League club. The billionaire, who heralds from the Greater Manchester area, was greeted at Old Trafford by United's CEO Richard Arnold for the crucial meeting.
Current owners the Glazers put United up for sale in November, although there is no guarantee the club will be sold. Ratcliffe's main rival is Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, as his representatives visited Old Trafford for similar talks on Thursday.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Ten Hag was asked whether he spoke to Ratcliffe during his visit. He replied, "I just met them and shook hands, but I am focused on the game [against Fulham ]. Others in the club are dealing with potential investors."
United take on Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday, with a place in the semi-final at stake. Ten Hag, who was appointed as United boss last summer, added, "My job is focus on the game so let’s talk about the game, Fulham, it is a big tie so let’s get ready for that."
Ten Hag was speaking at Carrington, which confirms Ratcliffe visited United's training ground after meeting executives at Old Trafford. Friday's meeting was designed to give Ratcliffe a full of picture of just how much money he would need to invest in the club.
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Ratcliffe and main rival Sheikh Jassim are the only two parties to publicly declare their interest to complete a controlling takeover of United. Ratcliffe wants to buy the Glazers' shares - which amount to around 69 per cent - while Sheikh Jassim is after 100 per cent.
Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have been given 10 days to submit new offers for United. It is believed the Glazers want around £5billion to sell their stake.
Old Trafford and Carrington both need to be renovated - which could cost billions of pounds - while the successful bidder - if there is one - will inherit around £515million worth of debt from the Glazers.
There is a good chance the Glazers will sell just a fraction of their shares, as the six siblings are divided on selling United. Kevin, Bryan, Edward and Darcie are happy to sell up, but Avram and Joel remain fond of the club - despite fan protests against them.
Avram and Joel could remain in charge of United by bringing a minority investor on board to buy out the remaining four siblings and perhaps some of the other shareholders. That investment could finance the redevelopment of Old Trafford and Carrington.
The Glazers promised to consider a number of strategic options when they put the club up for sale four months ago - "including new investment into the club". As such, nothing can be eliminated at this stage. The process is expected to last for some time yet.
