Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes a MAJOR step in his bid to buy Man Utd ahead of Qatari investors

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the richest man in Britain, has taken a MAJOR step in his attempt to acquire Manchester United.

A statement from November indicated that United were open to investment or a full sale.

The Glazers have held the reins for nearly 20 years; the late Malcolm Glazer made his initial investment in 2003 and acquired a majority interest in the company two years later.

Ratcliffe, a millionaire and a boyhood fan of Manchester United, was the first to publicly declare his intention to acquire the team in January by formally beginning his takeover bid.

At the time, a Ratcliffe spokeswoman stated: “We have formally put ourselves into the process.”

The owner of Ineos and French club Nice has now enlisted the assistance of two Wall Street giants to advise him on the takeover.

According to Bloomberg, Ratcliffe has enlisted the aid of JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to enhance his bid.

Jim Ratcliffe, the richest man in Britain, is not the only one with an interest in the club; Qatari investors have also expressed an interest.

The club’s owners are rumored to seek £6 billion selling it, but according to The Mail’s report, a price between £4 and £4.5 million is more realistic.

This might open the path for Ratcliffe, whose Ineos company presently owns the Ligue 1 team OGC Nice.

There are still unanswered questions over the asking price for the club, and a lower amount might yet provide Ratcliffe the opportunity to increase his own bid.

With a deadline of February 17 for offer submissions, speculation has been widespread as to who the potential new owners may be.

Recent sources claim a stunning offer has been made by a group based in Qatar, and negotiations for a £4.5 billion buyout are now under progress.