Sources said Sheikh Jassim’s bid for 100 per cent control of the club comes with the promise of significant additional funding for transfers and infrastructure.
The expenditure would include redeveloping United’s dilapidated Old Trafford stadium or building a new ground as well as renovating the club’s training facilities.
Sheikh Jasim’s bid also promises to wipe out United’s $620 million in debt.
Ratcliffe, the boyhood United fan who failed in his attempt to buy Chelsea last year, is reportedly looking to buy a controlling stake of more than 50 per cent in United, the founder of the INEOS chemical company.
That would see United’s executive co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer remain as shareholders with a 20 per cent stake each, which has raised concerns among fans tired of the Americans’ controversial reign.