Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group wants to assume control of the football operations side of Manchester United’s business from the Glazer family if a 25% offer worth an estimated £1.3bn is approved.
The British billionaire is thought to be increasingly confident of securing what he hopes will be the first stage of an eventual buyout.
It is not clear how an Ineos minority stake would be structured and if the Glazers would accept it.
A United board meeting is set to take place on Thursday, during which it is possible the agreement could be finalised.
Ineos is thought to hope that if it were to be in charge of the football side of the club’s business with a quarter share, it may reassure supporters unhappy that the Glazers will remain at United.
Former United captain Gary Neville asked on social media: “Can this really work and what impact will it have on a struggling organisation?”
After listing six things he believed were “non-negotiable” for a takeover, Neville said: “How does a minority stakeholder positively impact the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any impact on the above?
“My preference is and always will be for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact.”
