Manchester United: Sheikh Jassim’s stance revealed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers ‘ditching’ original takeover plan

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering ‘ditching’ his original takeover plans at Manchester United and now is looking likely to try and get a minority stake at Old Trafford.

That’s according to information from various reliable outlets, including Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail. The reports state that Ratcliffe is now in favour of buying 25 per cent of the club, which would keep the Glazers in control.

It was added that this change in approach is an attempt to break the firm deadlock as the United takeover progress enters its eleventh month. The club announced the intention to explore strategic alternatives, including a takeover, in November last year.

Keegan also mentioned the figure the British billionaire would bring into the club, should this technique end successfully, being around £1.5 billion. This would potentially provide much-needed funds to revamp Old Trafford, although a rebuild would not be possible.

It might also pump money into Erik ten Hag’s transfer kitty, yet it would remain to be seen how such cash would be spent. 

Ratcliffe’s original proposal involved a majority takeover, taking the 69 per cent that the Glazer family owned. He then adjusted his approach to leaving the Glazer siblings at the club whilst taking over 50 per cent of the club, meaning they would have minority stakes and exit plans for upcoming years.

This new information will no doubt lower the estimations of the bid, with it being the first from the INEOS leader that would leave the American family with control at the club.

Meanwhile, it has been stated by Keegan that Sheikh Jassim – Ratcliffe’s competitor for the takeover – remains committed to a 100 per cent takeover at Old Trafford.

United meanwhile have been in a major slump since the start of the season, winning just three of their opening eight fixtures.

Read More: Full Manchester United training squad ahead of Galatasaray clash (Champions League)

The takeover, originally tipped to be completed at the end of last season, is still hanging over the Manchester club three months into the new campaign and does not seem close to a conclusion.