Manchester United Bidder Ratcliffe May Shift Focus To Minority Stake

Disgruntled Manchester United fans hoping the Glazer family would eventually sell the Premier League club have been dealt another discouraging blow.

One of the two remaining bidders still interested in purchasing Manchester United is now reportedly shifting gears and looking for a minority stake in the team instead.

Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who had bid upward of $6 billion for Manchester United, could now be seeking a 25% stake in the storied club, according to Sky News. That minority stake could still be valued at $1.5 billion or higher.

The news follows recent reports that Ratcliffe had been working on retooling his bid for Manchester United to appease other minority shareholders who would remain on board if the Glazers sold.

However, there could still be hope for unhappy Manchester United supporters: Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani isn’t interested in a minority stake and still wants to acquire 100% of the club, per Sky.

Writing On The Wall

Recent business deals surrounding Manchester United have seemed to suggest that the Glazers are operating as normal — and potentially no longer considering giving up control of the team. 

This year, Manchester United signed a record kit deal with Adidas ($115 million annually) and a record shirt sponsorship with Snapdragon ($75 million annually).