Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first decision takes Man United clear of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea

Sir Jim Ratcliffe finally looks set to join the crazy world of the Premier League as his move to purchase a stake in Manchester United nears completion. It was revealed over the weekend that the Glazer family had made a major decision to turn down larger initial cash sums from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim in favour of a 25 per cent sale to Ineos owner and long-term football admirer, Ratcliffe.

It's not the first time Ratcliffe has tried to get involvedafter he was linked with a potential takeover at Chelsea in 2018 before registering a late offer for the club in 2022 as well. Now he is closer than ever after his proposal became the front-running offer for investment in the Red Devils following months of talks, preferred bidder reports and negotiations.

Ratcliffe has a portfolio of assets worth a staggering £29.3billion ($35.6bn). His personal ler worth is a lot lower but still reaching a sizeable £18.7billion ($22.7bn). He is now preparing to oversee the footballing operations at Old Trafford with a view to becoming the majority shareholder in the future.

The Glazers have become the most maligned owners in the league and have been the centre of mass protests by fans throughout this season after stagnation under their watch. Now it's down to Ratcliffe to turn things around it certainly means more competition for the league's top sides.

It is said that Ratcliffe, who also owns Ligue 1 side Nice through chemical company Ineos as well as the formerly Team Sky cycling team and is a current Mercedes F1 partner, has plans to make immediate improvements to infrastructure. The Times write that the British businessman will 'accelerate' plans to modernise Old Trafford and made the upgrades to the stadium a 'significant part' of his bid