A growing number of Manchester United supporters have hit out at Sir Jim Ratcliffe amid claims that the British billionaire is offering a way for the Glazer family to remain involved with the club.
According to reports published by both the Mail and The Times, Ratcliffe, who submitted an official offer to buy United back in February, is offering a deal that would see Joel and Avram Glazer retain 20 per cent stake in the club. It is claimed that the offer would see the INEOS chief executive take a controlling stake of more than 50 per cent.
In the event of said proposal getting the green light, it would see the Glazers, who the United supporters are desperate to see the back of, continue their association with the club. United fans have been desperate to see the back of the American owners for years and were confident that their decision to put the club on the market back in November would signal the beginning of the end for them at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: United fans announce fresh Glazer protest
Ratcliffe cemented himself as one of the leading contenders to purchase the club earlier this year, going toe-to-toe with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The report in the Mail states that those close to the takeover process, which is being overseen by the Raine Group in the US, say the prospect of the Glazer brothers retaining some control of the club could be the 'preferred option.' The report adds that it is 'thought that the final portion currently owned by various investment groups would also remain in place.'
With United's supporters desperate to see the end of the Glazer era, news of Ratcliffe reportedly being prepared to reach an agreement with them to stay on has infuriated them. They have blasted the Manchester-born businessman, immediately outlining why they do not wish for him to complete a deal to buy the club.
Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look to see what they have had to say in response on social media:
As you can see from the opinions shared in the tweets above, the prospect of Ratcliffe completing a takeover and keeping the Glazers on board, even via a minority stake, has angered some supporters. They want to see the back of the American family and are adamant that they should have no involvement with the club once a takeover has been completed.
The deadline for closing bids is this coming Friday and Sheikh Jassim is set to present his final offer, which is for full control of United. Representatives of the Qatari visited Manchester last month to hold talks with United officials.
He is understood to want to gain full control without anyone else having any involvement.
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