Monday, May 4, 2026

Ratcliffe Reportedly Emerges As Frontrunner In Manchester United Sale

  • Last year, the Glazer family announced intentions to explore a possible sale of Manchester United.
  • British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is one of two remaining bidders for the club.
A view of a Manchester United corner flag during a night match.
MUFC

The Manchester United ownership saga continues.

Nearly 11 months since the Glazer Family announced it was exploring strategic alternatives — including new investment, a sale, or other transactions — for the storied Premier League club, disgruntled fans remain in the dark on any definitive action that may or may not be on the horizon.

Sale rumors have circulated since the club statement in late November 2022, with a long list of potential suitors interested in purchasing the club, which is valued at $6 billion.

According to multiple reports over the past few months, the grueling process has left two remaining bidders: Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who founded global chemical company Ineos, and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Now, the latest news is that Ratcliffe is emerging as the frontrunner to buy into Manchester United, according to Bloomberg. Ratcliffe could acquire some shares held by both the Glazers and minority investors, and initially get a roughly 25% stake.

It’s unclear whether that stake could or would lead to an eventual majority stake in Manchester United, or if the Glazers would remain in control of the team long-term.

If the reports turn into reality, Manchester United fans who had hoped to see the Glazers sell the club entirely will no doubt remain frustrated with team ownership. There has been no official comment from the club or a timeline for next steps.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Premier League Title Race Tightens With Big Money on the Line

The Stan Kroenke-controlled club is now in a tight battle for the league title.
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders

Top Sports Attorneys Command $10M Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy

“The transfer portal is open for sports lawyers.”
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.

Valkyries Cut the Player They Acquired in Flau’jae Johnson Deal

The Golden State Valkyries acquired Marta Suárez and a future second-round pick on draft night for Flau’jae Johnson.
Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.
May 1, 2026

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.
May 3, 2026

Indiana Fever Accused of Using AI Again After Caitlin Clark Remark

It’s not the first time the organization’s been accused of using AI.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
May 1, 2026

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”
May 1, 2026

Caitlin Clark Calls Out Indiana Fever Graphic Made With AI Tools

The NHL’s Jets and Blues also use AI in their content.
exclusive
May 1, 2026

Mark Cuban Admits He Wanted to Buy Back Mavericks

“That’s just not the game anymore.”
Tim Cook
exclusive
April 30, 2026

Seahawks Sale Watch: Zuckerberg, Cook Among Rumored Bidders

A source close to Apple denied Tim Cook’s interest.