That was after ten months of negotiations with the Raine Group, who had been appointed to oversee the sale of the club.

Jassim was offering around PS5.

2bn for 100% of United, as well as promising a further PS1.

5bn in investment.

Ratcliffe, by contrast, is set to take a 25% stake of United, for a figure of around PS1.

4bn.

As well as a full buyout, Jassim promised to wipe out the club's debt and fund either a restructure of Old Trafford or a completely new stadium - the latter of which Ratcliffe is said to be making his priority.

There are also question marks over how Ratcliffe will fund his minority stake, which in itself has parallels with the Glazer's 2005 takeover.

According to the Daily Mail, Sheikh Jassim's team felt they would be 'dream' owners and feel the Glazers have squandered a once-in-a-generation chance to close the gap on Manchester City.

MORE : Sir Jim Ratcliffe identifies new Manchester United sporting director with ex-Liverpool duo also in frameMORE : Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides first priority after taking over reins at Manchester UnitedFor more stories like this, check our sport page.

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