Sir Jim Ratcliffe made wait as Manchester United deal is delayed

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: INEOS Founder and Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe (L) reacts during a press conference regarding INEOS and Mercedes future partnership at The Royal Automobile Club on February 10, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already shown a great deal of patience in dealing with the Glazer family and Raine Group over the past 11 months.

With Qatar now completely out of the race to takeover Manchester United, it is understood that discussions are ongoing about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.35 billion deal that would see the British billionaire take control of football operations at Old Trafford.

However, as reported by The Telegraph tonight, Ratcliffe’s 25% minority stake offer is not expected to be decided by the club’s board on Thursday as final details need to be ironed out.

James Ducker, who has been covering United for years, has spoken to sources who maintain a deal is still within sight over the next fortnight.

The report also states that some key figures inside the deal are sceptical that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has entirely withdrawn his interest in the club, but they’ve been quick to reaffirm their stance through Fabrizio Romano.

United fans will have plenty of questions about the future of the club. That was always going to be the case – for whoever was successful in this race which has involved too many delays.

It should also be seen as a bonus that Ratcliffe wants clauses attached to any deal which will enable him to eventually stage a full takeover, which Ducker believes is his long-term aim.

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