Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed he has launched a bid to take over majority ownership of Manchester United.
Britain's richest man, who is the chairman of INEOS, has formalised his interest in wresting control from the Glazer family, who announced the Red Devils were up for sale in November. Ratcliffe confirmed he was pursuing a takeover in January and he is one of the parties that tabled a bid for the club ahead of the soft deadline for offers on Friday.
A statement released on Saturday lunchtime read: "Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club. We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.