Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in buying Manchester United if the club is for sale, a spokesperson for the English billionaire has confirmed.

Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man, is the CEO of Ineos Group Ltd and owns cycling team Ineos Grenadiers, Ligue 1 side Nice, FC Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss Super League club, and is worth approximately £13bn.

Sky Sports suggests that former players would be involved, along with Sir Dave Brailsford.

United fans have become increasingly frustrated with the Glazers, and most would be heartened to hear that Ratcliffe is looking to invest in United over the 'long-term'.

Ratcliffe's spokesperson told The Times: "If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.

"If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.

"This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset."

Ratcliffe, a lifelong Man Utd fan, attempted to buy Chelsea prior to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover, but his bid was submitted too late.

The Glazers have spent just £65m on transfers so far this summer and Erik ten Hag has reportedly butted heads with the club's hierarchy after losses to Brighton and Brentford in the opening two games.