Manchester United could have a British owner in the near future.

That is according to ex-director Michael Knighton, who has backed Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bid for the club.

The Glazer family are ready to sell United, as per an official statement on the club's website.

Ratcliffe, who is one of the richest men in the UK and a multi-billionaire, was previously interested in acquiring Chelsea.

Knighton told BBC Manchester: “I've been calling on the current owners to sell their shareholding. I've been unhappy with the business model they set up in 2005, with this highly-geared, leveraged buyout, using the club's assets to buy the club and lumbering it with this enormous debt.

“So I'm delighted that they have finally finalised their time is coming to an end. I'm sure all the supporters will be (too). For three years, I never took one halfpenny out of Manchester United, not even in expenses. I hope the new owners that come in will also have that philosophy.

“This is why I've been championing the cause of Sir Jim Ratcliffe because he's already gone public and said I don't need to take any money out of any football club that I own. He earns enough from a highly-successful business."