Fans have shown their divided opinions on this decision ..

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United for a sum of £1.3 billion. This development comes after Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani withdrew his bid.

Sheikh Jassim had put forth an offer that valued the entire club at over £5 billion, seemingly the sole bid for full ownership of Manchester United. However, it appears that the Glazers, who have held ownership of the club since 2005, found this valuation to be insufficient, leading to Sheikh Jassim’s withdrawal from the bidding process.

The alternative proposal involves Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchasing approximately a quarter of the club. Ratcliffe, a lifelong fan of Manchester United, has expressed his interest in this deal. The transaction is currently pending approval at an upcoming United board meeting. Should the deal go through, Ratcliffe and his company INEOS are expected to take charge of Manchester United’s football operations as part of this 25% acquisition. This may serve as an initial step in a phased takeover of the club.