Sir Jim Ratcliffe has insisted that he won’t ‘pay stupid prices’ for Manchester United as he looks to complete a takeover at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe is interested in a deal to purchase the Red Devils and is set to submit a second offer for the club ahead of Wednesday’s deadline. The British billionaire – regarded as Britain’s richest man – visited the club last Friday and has been among the most vocal suitors bidding to takeover from the Glazer family.
The club’s current ownership are understood to be demanding a fee of around £6bn for United and have not ruled out remaining in power if their valuation is not met.
Ratcliffe and a delegation led by Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani have been the most high-profile suitors in the takeover race, but Sky Sports are reporting that several other interested parties have held talks with the Glazers.
Ratcliffe – whose INEOS chemical company also own France’s Nice and Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport – this week discussed his interest in Manchester United during an interview with The Wall Street Journal and insisted he will not overpay for the club.
“Our interest in that club would be purely in winning things,” Ratcliffe said.
“How do you decide the price of a painting? How do you decide the price of a house? It’s not related to how much it cost to build or how much it cost to paint. What you don’t want to do is pay stupid prices for things because then you regret it subsequently.”
