Man Utd set timeline to decide on Sir Jim Ratcliffe offer

Manchester United‘s board will convene on Thursday to deliberate on Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s proposal to acquire a 25 percent stake in the renowned club.

The petrochemicals magnate and his company, Ineos, is presently the sole remaining contender for the purchase after the Qatari financier Sheikh Jassim opted to end his interest in the club last week.

Ratcliffe initially expressed interest in purchasing the 69 percent of United currently owned by the six Glazer siblings before changing his bid to a minority share and allowing the American family to retain involvement.

The club’s 12-member board, including the six Glazers and CEO Richard Arnold, may approve the proposal on Thursday, marking the potential conclusion of a year-long saga.

Ratcliffe’s 25 percent stake is estimated to be worth approximately £1.3bn. In contrast, Sheikh Jassim, who offered to acquire 100 percent of United, found the Glazers’ demands exorbitant as they sought double the club’s market valuation of around $3.2bn.

During the takeover process, Jassim made five offers for the club, but has now withdrawn from negotiations after final discussions with the current owners.

Jassim had pledged to invest an additional $1.7bn for a new or refurbished stadium and training facilities, player acquisitions, community engagement, and debt clearance.

Ratcliffe, a devoted United supporter, had previously considered purchasing Chelsea FC but lost out to Clearlake Capital, who struck a deal to succeed Roman Abramovich at Stamford Bridge last year.