Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth soars by 400 per cent as Man Utd takeover race hots up

Manchester United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been named as the second-richest person in the UK, with it being reported that he is now worth almost £40billion. The news will provide some food for thought for Red Devils fans, who now have two incredibly wealthy figures desperate to acquire their club.

Ratcliffe is keen to purchase United from the Glazers, with it being speculated that he is willing to have some involvement from the American-based family – namely Joel and Avram Glazer – if he can purchase a controlling stake in the club.

The 70-year-old, who also owns French side Nice, was reportedly leading the race to purchase United recently, but an eleventh-hour bid from Sheikh Hassim has blown it all wide open once more. The Qatari is keen to purchase the entire club and is said to have offered £5.5bn to strike a deal, which is now being reviewed by the Raine Group, though a full takeover could prove to be a sticking point in negotiations.

Some United supporters have been vocal about their desire for Sheikh Hassim’s bid to be accepted due to the finances he can provide and the promises that he has already made publicly. However, the Sunday Times Rich List would suggest that Ratcliffe is equally as capable of investing heavily into the club to help them regain their status as title contenders.

Ratcliffe was named Britain’s second-richest person or group, only behind the Hinduja family (£35bn). The boyhood United fan has seen his estimated worth soar over the past 12 months, with it now reported that his wealth is now believed to be £29.688bn.

That is a rise of almost 400 per cent, with Ratcliffe ranked 27th on the list last year with a wealth of £6.075bn. The valuation of Ratcliffe’s chemicals company, INEOS, has been central to the drastic rise in valuation, as well as more information being uncovered about his personal assets.