Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe to Bid for Manchester United as David Beckham Struggles to Raise Fund

British richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched a bid for Manchester United amid a report that the Glazer family put the Premier League club up for sale. This is the second time Jim Ratcliffe will be aiming to buy the most valuable club in England. 

Investors King learnt that the Glazer family planned to sell the club at a valuation of £5 billion. The 70-year-old has been a lifelong fan of Manchester United. 

While recounting his first attempt to purchase the club, Ratcliffe stated that he planned to submit a bid higher than the club’s valuation. 

Meanwhile, former England captain David Beckham, who spent more than ten years at Manchester United has stated that he is open to holding talks with potential bidders for the club, Financial Times reported. 

This is after it has been reported that the football legend is having difficulty raising the fund. He has however called on other interested investors to join him to bid for the club. 

Reacting to the development, Manchester United shares were up at nearly 19 percent at the opening of market on Wednesday. This is in addition to the 14 percent gain it recorded on Tuesday afternoon. 

In a similar development, Manchester United fans have called for fresh investment and new ownership to boost the title chances of the club after many years of unimpressive performance. 

“Our club needs new investment more than ever. That requires new ownership,” the fans group stated in a statement. 

They added that the fans group should be given the opportunity to have a say in the future of the club.

“Any new ownership structure must embed supporters, including a degree of fan share ownership, in their operating model,” they noted. 

With a record of 20 English League titles, 12 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 3 European Champions Cups, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, Manchester United is undoubtedly one of the most successful clubs in the world.