Late last year, The Glazer family announced that Manchester United could potentially be available for sale.
The Glazers purchased the clubs in 2005 and in the years since they have had a tumultuous relationship with the United fanbase. Protests have been commonplace in and outside the stadium throughout their tenure and many fans greeted the news that the club could be for sale with celebration.
The Glazer family have appointed the Raine Group to oversee the sale and the wheels are now in motion.
READ MORE: Gary Neville names 'problem' with Sir Jim Ratcliffe interest
Ratcliffe outlines intention
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have always been heavily linked with a move to buy United. However, when the British-born billionaire submitted a bid for Chelsea last season before the club was eventually sold to Todd Boehly, that avenue seemed to be closes.
After the Glazers announced they were exploring alternate options of investment which could include a sale however, Ratcliffe is the first party to formally announce that they getting ready to submit a bid.
This does not mean that Ratcliffe will be the new owner. Other bids are expected over the next few weeks as the Raine Group make a decision over whose offer they will accept on behalf of the Glazer family.
US investment firm Sixth Street had been linked with potential investment in United, but the company were quick to deny any talks with the club after the report broke.
Neville points out problem
Former United player Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on the possibly of a bid from Ratcliffe. He stated: “The main thing is that the Glazers leave as quickly as possible and the second thing is that whoever takes it over, if they could hand it over to people who are in good hands and have a feeling for the club, that would be great.
“The main thing is that the Glazers leave as quickly as possible and the second thing is that whoever takes it over, if they could hand it over to people who are in good hands and have a feeling for the club, that would be great.
“Jim Ratcliffe was born in Manchester and knows the area. If he wins it, I think there will be a lot of very happy Manchester United fans. He would want to do the right thing by the club - in fact I am sure that he would. That’s the main thing beyond the Glazers leaving."
However, Neville was also quick to raise his concerns: “I don’t think United can hand it over to another investment firm who are expecting a return on their money. That’s what worries me a little bit about private enquiry coming into football and that ultimately, they are looking for a return on their money and a return on their investment.
“If that’s the case, it could mean that United aren’t in a similar place to where this club [Manchester City] are here, or Newcastle with benefactors who are happy to live debt free, not have interest payments, not leverage debt against the club. Manchester United need to be a debt-free football club, with someone who’s willing to put money in.”
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