Man Utd takeover on rocks as officials ‘privately scathing’ of Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United officials have been “privately scathing” of prospective owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to buy the club, according to a fresh report.

Earlier this month Ratcliffe confirmed his interest in buying the Old Trafford club.

The billionaire’s chemical firm, Ineos, announced it had formally lodged interest with United’s owners, the Glazer family. An Ineos spokesperson said: "We have formally put ourselves into the process."

Late last year United was seen as being put up for sale after the Glazers, who have been at the helm for 17 years, ordered a strategic review.

Since, Ratcliffe, who is a lifelong United fan, has made no secret of the fact he would like to buy the club.

However, according to Sky News, the 70-year-old faces competition from Saudi Arabia and other money from the Middle East.

Man Utd officials ‘scathing’ of Ratcliffe

According to a fresh MailOnline report, United officials have been privately scathing of Ratcliffe’s plans to bid for the club.

People within United are allegedly convinced the INEOS owner has no intention of meeting the Glazer’s demand for offers in excess of £6billion.

The publication claimed that the Old Trafford club are convinced the company’s main concern is securing positive publicity.

Last year Ratcliffe also went public with a desire to buy Chelsea, but only after the deadline for tabling bids. The Blues were eventually bought by Todd Boehly.

The billionaire, who is one of Britain’s richest men, also met United co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer for formal talks last August, though insisted at the time the Americans did not want to sell.

Ratcliffe is currently the only party to have formally announced an interest in buying the club.

The MailOnline claims that the process for whoever takes over the club could be concluded before the end of the season.

However, the Glazers are said to not be averse to remaining in control if they do not receive a suitable offer.