The path is now clear for Ratcliffe to secure a quarter of the shares in United. It is widely reported that this is the first phase in a full purchase of the Red Devils.
Ratcliffe, who also owns French outfit Nice, has made his pitch for the club via his petrochemicals company INEOS. They will oversee the sporting department of the club and allegedly hope to make major improvements to both the playing squad and the deteriorating Old Trafford home, which is in desperate need of renovation.
According to the Telegraph, a board meeting initially scheduled for Thursday has been delayed. There remain several facets of the agreement to iron out before the Glazers and the other board members can vote.
