Ratcliffe moves first in race to buy United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, has gone public with his company’s plans to pursue a takeover at Manchester United. It is understood Ineos, his petrochemicals firm, had talks with the football club just hours before releasing a statement confirming the plans. Formal bids will not be invited until next month. There is also serious interest from the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Ratcliffe made a late unsuccessful bid to buy Chelsea last year.