Multi-billionaire who replaced Bill Gates as world's richest person joins the race to buy Manchester United

Amancio Ortega, one of the richest people in the world, has informed Man Utd executives of his interest in taking over the club from the Glazer family, according to reports.

United announced, on Tuesday evening, that the club were exploring 'strategic alternatives', including new investment into the Red Devils, or a sale.

This was followed by a statement from United co-chairmen, Joel and Avram Glazer, who said: "As we seek to continue building on the Club's history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.

"We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future.

"Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders."

The Daily Mirror report that the Glazer family, who acquired control of the club in 2005, and sold a small amount of shares on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, would ask for as much as £8 billion to sell United. That would be a world record fee for a sports club or franchise.

On Wednesday evening, meanwhile, The Telegraph revealed that Ineos founder and United fan, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will bid for the club.

And he could soon be joined by another of the world's richest people.

Amancio Ortega has 'interest' in United

Manchester Evening News claim that Ortega, the owner of the Spanish multinational clothing company Inditex, is one of the interested parties in buying Man Utd.

The Spanish businessman is understood to have informed senior club executives of his interest.

Ortega was briefly recognised as the world's richest man, overtaking Bill Gates on October 23, 2015. However, his real time net worth of $78.7 billion only kept him at top spot for half a day, with the Microsoft founder re-passing him.

According to Forbes, the 86-year-old is now the 18th-richest man in the world, with a net worth of $62.9 billion. As per the same source, Ortega has also invested dividends into real estate, in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, London and New York.