Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading the race according to the sources for the ownership
A final decision on who will win the race for the Premier League giants remains unanswered
However Ratcliffe Ineos Group have kept their noses ahead of the main rival bid.
It remains to be seen if Sheikh Jassim’s group will lodge a final attempt to blow the competition.
The Qatari party are far from conceding defeat and remain in firmly in the game, it is understood. Talks are ongoing.
Despite a deadline for final bids having passed, it appears as though there is room for further manoeuvre.
That is thought to be attractive to the American pair,
The members of the deeply unpopular owning family are keen to stay and further maximise their stake in United.
While it would be unpopular with fans, the fact that the Glazers would ultimately be committed to leaving may be enough to get sections of United’s fanbase onboard.
Ratcliffe was the only party to value United at more than £5bn.Raine Group, the New York-based merchant bankers who are overseeing the sale,
Are now thought to be close to finalising an agreement with a preferred bidder. The situation has not moved as quickly as had been hoped but a conclusion is in sight.
With no options ruled out, although a decision is not likely until next week.Should Ratcliffe succeed, he would take around 50 per cent of United,
with the two Glazers holding around 25 per cent. It would see the Oldham-born petrochemicals magnate shell out around £2.5bn.
