Manchester United will hope that Sir Jim Ratcliffe can help change the club’s fortunes, with Erik ten Hag’s side currently sitting behind Aston Villa in the Premier League table.

Villa are on a clear upward trajectory under the tutelage of Unai Emery, who helped guide the club into the European places for the first time in more than decade. Since purchasing the club in 2018, co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have transformed Villa from Championship promotion hopefuls to currently sitting fifth in the Premier League.

While United have remained a top-flight side, it is fair to say that the Red Devils have struggled to replicate the success of past eras. A poor start to the campaign has been mixed with uncertainty over the club’s ownership as a result of protracted takeover talks after the Glazer family announced that they would be ‘exploring strategic alternatives’, last November.

It has been reported that Sheikh Jassim has now withdrawn from the bidding process, having offered in the region of £5bn for complete takeover at United. This has allowed Ratcliffe to become the frontrunner, with the British billionaire closing in on a £1.3bn deal for a 25 per cent stake, as well as full sporting control at Old Trafford, which could lead to a phased buyout.

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The Ineos CEO is the second-richest person in Britain, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, with his net worth estimated to be £29.68bn. Ratcliffe, who already owns Swiss side Lausanne–Sport and French club Nice, would sit second in the Premier League rich list. Newcastle United’s owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia top the chart, with their assets valued up to £538bn.

In terms of Villa's financial clout, the club would drop down to sixth in the rich list, if Ratcliffe were to eventually take full control of Manchester United. Forbes gives Sawiris and Edens a combined net worth of £9bn.

Meanwhile, Manchester City (£17.3bn), Chelsea (£12.5bn) and Arsenal (£10.1bn) are also estimated to have wealthier owners than Villa. However, US outlet Forbes does suggest that Ratcliffe’s own net worth is closer to £15.34bn.