In an email to CNN Sport, a Ratcliffe spokesperson confirmed their interest in the famed Premier League club, saying: “We are just confirming interest in the club if they are for sale.”
Ratcliffe’s interest comes after a Bloomberg report, citing unidentified sources, that the Glazer family are open to selling a minority stake in the Premier League club to a US investment firm.
CNN has contacted the Glazer family and Manchester United and has not received confirmation that the club is for sale.
Ratcliffe is a majority shareholder in chemical group INEOS which owns French club Nice, Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, cycling team Ineos Grenadiers and has a partnership with the Mercedes F1 team.
In May, Ratcliffe made a last-minute bid to buy Chelsea FC before losing to consortium Todd Boehly.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust released a statement regarding the rumors of a possible change of ownership saying: “Speculation is growing about a potential change of ownership or new investors at Manchester United.
“While the supporters have called for a change, of course it has to be a good change. Any potential owner or investor must be committed to the club’s culture, ethos and best traditions.
“They must be prepared to invest to restore United to their former glories, and that investment must be real money spent on the player and stadium side.”
Manchester United have struggled for form since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and currently sit bottom of the Premier League after losing both of their matches this season.
CNN’s Diksha Madhok contributed reporting.
