A British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has shown interest to buy Manchester United.
News of the 69-year-old’s interest follows a Bloomberg report that the Glazer family are willing to sell a minority stake in the club.
“If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer,” Ratcliffe’s spokesperson told The Times, the BBC Sport reports.
“If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.”
United, 20-time English champions, are bottom of the Premier League after losing both their opening games of the season under new manager Erik Hag.
The woeful start has intensified criticism of the Glazers and their perceived lack of investment in the team.
This summer has seen new signings fail to materialise, including a fruitless pursuit of Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, while superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Old Trafford.
Lancashire-born Ratcliffe, the majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos, is a boyhood fan of the club. He also owns French side Nice, Swiss club Lausanne-Sport and Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, while Ineos has a partnership with the Mercedes F1 team.
“This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent,” the spokesperson added. “Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
Man United Supporters’ Trust cautiously welcomed the interest from Ratcliffe but said a takeover would need the support of fans.
A MUST spokesperson told the BBC Sport: “While supporters have called for change, this of course has to be the right change.