"Too tempting" - Multi-billionaire targets Man Utd takeover, his net worth is staggering

Multi-billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe will bid for Manchester United, with the prospect of owning his boyhood club believed to be too tempting.

On Tuesday the Glazer family announced it is “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives” for Man Utd, which could ultimately bring an end to their controversial 17-year ownership of the club.

A statement from Man Utd revealed the US owners’ plans to identify new investment that could lead to a potential sale. Indeed, the process will consider a number of options “including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”.

Moreover, the Raine Group, which oversaw the sale of Chelsea earlier in May, has been appointed as the exclusive financial adviser.

Since the news, there has been much speculation regarding potential buyers. Oil-rich states have been linked, as have American venture capitalists. One person who has been repeatedly touted as a prospective owner is British billionaire and Man Utd fan Sir Jim.

Sir Jim to bid for Man Utd

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney claimed that Sir Jim, who Forbes valued at a staggering $13.5billion (£11.18billion) will bid to buy Man Utd, though there remains a considerable difference between valuations.

The Ineos owner expressed an interest to buy the Old Trafford club in August. However, while the Glazers want £6billion for the Premier League giants, Sir Jim is reportedly seeking to buy the club for under £5billion.

The publication claims that the British billionaire, who also owns cycling team Ineos Grenadiers and Ligue 1 club Nice, was offered the chance to buy Man Utd rivals, Liverpool, in recent months. Yet, he allegedly turned the Reds down to get the running of the French club right.

However, due to his childhood support of the Red Devils, he believes the opportunity is “too tempting and unique” to not make a bid.

Sir Jim is said to be facing competition from at least two other parties, but the list of prospective buyers is expected to grow.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.