Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s richest men, has been linked with a takeover of the Premier League giants after the Glazer family, the current owners, announced last year they were willing to listen to offers.
Ratcliffe is a boyhood United fan and he attempted to purchase Chelsea last year but his late offer was rejected as Todd Boehly was successful in taking over from Roman Abramovich.
The British billionaire is now in the fray to end the Glazers’ near 18-year ownership of United, who sit fourth in the top-flight under Erik ten Hag and defeated derby rivals Manchester City last weekend.
Ineos is keen to expand its sporting portfolio, which already includes ownership of French Ligue 1 side Nice and Swiss team FC Lausanne-Sport and sponsorship of the cycling team Ineos Grenadiers, formerly Team Sky.
Here, Sussex World takes a look at the Premier League rich list and how they compare with Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s estimated wealth...
9. 12th: Manchester United - The Glazer Family
Reported net worth: £3.88 billion Photo: ANTHONY DEVLIN
10. 11th: Crystal Palace - Steve Parish, Joshua Harris, David Blitzer & John Textor
Reported combined net worth: £4.54 billion Photo: Julian Finney
11. 10th: Tottenham Hotspur - Joe Lewis & Daniel Levy
Reported combined net worth: £4.8 billion Photo: David Rogers
12. 9th: Wolves - Guo Guangchang, Liang Xinjun, Wang Qunbin
Reported combined net worth: £5.7 billion Photo: Richard Heathcote