Sir Jim Ratcliffe may already have achieved hero status amongst Manchester United fans - with reports stating that the Mancunian has turned down a chance to purchase Liverpool amidst the news that both clubs have been put up for sale.
Liverpool's owners FSG made shockwaves earlier in the month when it became apparent that they were ready to explore other avenues after 12 years at the helm. With victories in the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup amongst others since their arrival, it marks the end of a successful era under American ownership for the Merseyside outfit.
For Manchester United, it is clear to anyone that the Glazers cannot say the same about their tenure; only the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill kept silverware coming through for a regular period, which has been evidenced by three trophies in the last decade. Yet once again, shockwaves were made in the northwest last week when they announced the owners were ready to consider 'all strategic alternatives' in a bid to put an end to their dismal 17-year spell.
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And with Sir Jim publicly announcing his intentions to look after United, he could make his way into Old Trafford with legend status - with Foot Mercato reporting that Britain's 'richest man' has turned down a chance to bid to take over their bitter rivals in a battle for a new future.
Ratcliffe made a bid to sign Chelsea following Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK Government, though the club ultimately went to Todd Boehly in a £4.25bn deal.
But the publication states that Sir Jim has decided not to bid for Liverpool "because he is a fan of the Red Devils".
It adds that the next few weeks are "already shaping up to be decisive" and the OGC Nice owner is "very interested and intends to make an offer".
It remains unclear as to how much United will cost Ratcliffe should he make a bid, though Foot Mercato believe that he doesn't want to pass up the opportunity and any offer would be 'worthy of accepting'.
The Glazer family announced their intentions to sell up mere hours after Cristiano Ronaldo was released by the club following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
“Manchester United plc announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club,” the company said in a statement.
“The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially. As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.”
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