Jim Ratcliffe's potential Man Utd investment assessed | Football Digest

Erik ten Hag will be putting the finishing touches on preparations at Carrington today ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League return against Sheffield United. But there remains plenty of noise in the background as Sir Jim Ratcliffe nears a deal to buy 25 per cent of Manchester United.

The Red Devils travel to Bramall Lane to face the only top-flight side without a win yet this season. It’s a must-win affair.

Ten Hag has received an injury boost ahead of the trip, welcoming Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Sofyan Amrabat and Rasmus Hojlund back to training after respective scares.

Casemiro will be absent for the first time this term, having remained in Brazil after picking up an injury on international duty.

While United attempt to progress on the pitch, Sir Jim and INEOS’ £1.4billion bid for a minority stake will grow closer to completion as lawyers strike out the fine details.

The 71-year-old has beaten competition from Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and looks set to take the first step to replacing the Glazer family as United’s owner.

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Ratcliffe eyes quick takeover

Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn’t planning to wait years to become Manchester United’s majority shareholder once he buys a 25 per cent stake in the club, according to reports.

The Daily Star claim that Ratcliffe has set himself a deadline of 18 months to buy-out the remaining Glazer shares once he arrives at Old Trafford.

The Glazers are said to have once valued United at £9billion, but would be willing to lower their asking price depending on market value in future months.

Once his £1.4bn deal for a 25 per cent stake goes through, Ratcliffe and INEOS will oversee transfers, team performance, analytics and sports science.

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