Jim Ratcliffe, a 69-year-old former chemical engineer and founder, chairman, and majority owner of chemical powerhouse Ineos Group wants to buy Manchester United.

His spokesperson told The Times: "If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer."

He already owns French side Nice, Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, and Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, while Ineos has a partnership with the Mercedes F1 team.

The news he wants to buy Manchester United followed a Bloomberg report that said the Glazer family that owns the club is willing to sell a minority stake. Fans of the team have also called for new ownership.