Jim Ratcliffe's bid to purchase a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United could serve as a "foot in the door" ahead of a potential full takeover in the future, unless the Glazer family see a way to extract further value from the Red Devils.
That is the view of finance expert Dan Plumley, who believes United could realistically be valued at up to £7billion in the coming years.
A deal for Ratcliffe's INEOS group to purchase a stake in the club is believed to be close to completion, with the deeply unpopular Glazer family opting against a full sale despite fan pressure.
Ratcliffe was initially rivalling Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani for a full takeover, and though the British billionaire will now only acquire a minority share, he will reportedly be given full control of United's football operations.
Speaking exclusively to Stats Perform, Plumley suggested Ratcliffe may have his eyes on a future full takeover, which would be warmly welcomed by the club's disgruntled fanbase.
"I think you can still get significant control in operations for 25 per cent, there's been talk that would give him an even further level of control, potentially above just the stakeholders," Plumley told Stats Perform.
"You're still very much involved in the decision-making process. At that level, you have considerable power. Then you're looking at the bigger picture of potentially what comes in the future.
"So, if it's not quite working out that way, does that open up the door for maybe a full takeover in the future? I think there are options still on the table.
"If you are Jim Ratcliffe and that's the long-term plan, then getting your foot in the door for 25 per cent is not a bad way to build it."
However, Plumley also believes the Glazers – who have received fierce criticism for taking dividends from the club and overseeing a period of on-pitch decline – see reasons to stay put.
"I think in the back of the Glazers minds – whether or not they'll come out and say this publicly – they're aware that there is still value to be extracted from Manchester United," he said.
"If they're seeing the potential for growth in the market then they might be wanting to stick around a little bit longer to realise some of that growth in the future.
"I think this kind of deal probably benefits all parties at this point in time. That might not please everybody, but I think from a business point of view, you can see the narrative there."
During the bidding process, reports suggested the Glazers valued United at around £6billion, and Plumley believes that could rise further over the next few years.
"People talk about Manchester United being a £5billion business, which is based on the numbers and the balance sheet and the position that we can see," he said.
"But what you've got to overlay over the top of that is the brand of Manchester United, the baggage, the history, the heritage and the fact that it is Manchester United.
"Then you've got other things on top of that, the untapped potential in different markets. What clubs have not been able to do yet is extract a lot of direct value from those fans.
"If you imagine a model whereby you can start to get money from fans all around the world through selling your own subscription services or the TV market changing so that you can sell some of your own games.
"If you can start to convert that into real cash, then the value of the club only goes up. It's quite feasible then that you can get to a valuation of £6billion or £7billion for Manchester United.
"I think that's what the Glazers are aware of. It's certainly feasible for me. There is some possibility there that you can grow that brand in the future, and in turn, then grow the value."
Recruitment crucial if Slot gets Liverpool job, warns Brands
Arne Slot must only settle for the best in the transfer market if he succeeds Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.
That is the view of PSV president Marcel Brands, who has warned Slot against taking several Eredivisie players with him in comments which might be interpreted as a dig at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Liverpool are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Feyenoord to appoint Slot, who led the Rotterdam giants to just their second league title this century in 2022-23.
Should Slot get the job, he will be taking over at what could be a time of great upheaval at Anfield.
Star forward Mohamed Salah could follow Klopp through the exit door as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, with renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League likely.
The Egyptian was involved in a public spat with Klopp during Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Ham and has only scored three Premier League goals since going to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Asked how Slot should approach taking over during a time of transition, Brands told Goedemorgen Eredivisie: "Don't focus blindly on signing five Dutch players.
"He has to look very carefully at what he needs with his style of football, and only settle for top players."
Brands' comments come as Slot's fellow Dutchman Ten Hag continues to attract fierce criticism amid an underwhelming second campaign at Old Trafford, with Eredivisie recruits Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez having limited impacts this term.
Brands has warned Slot the pressure awaiting him at Anfield will match that Ten Hag has faced at United, saying: "Slot will be working at one of the biggest clubs in England.
"You have to realise that. Liverpool have supporters from all over the world, and the pressure is always there.
"Just like Manchester United, they really are the biggest clubs in England, but it is a fantastic challenge."
Nuno encouraged by Forest's attitude and commitment, despite Man City defeat
Nuno Espirito Santo believes Nottingham Forest will "achieve what we want" by replicating the attitude demonstrated during their defeat by Manchester City.
Forest went down 2-0 against their title-chasing opponents at the City Ground, and remain just a point clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
Despite the defeat, the hosts produced a spirited performance against Pep Guardiola's side, while registering 14 shots on goal compared to 11 from the Citizens - meaning they had had more shots in both meetings this season.
Forest face already relegated Sheffield United, Chelsea and fellow strugglers Burnley in their final three games, and Nuno has seen enough to be confident of securing the Reds' Premier League status for another year.
"We played a good game, were compact, organised and had chances," he told Sky Sports. "We did a good job regarding how hard it is to play against Manchester City, and the players gave it a big go.
"We are disappointed with the result, but the encouragement comes from the way we work, how committed we are, and what we have ahead of us. This is more important.
"We stay positive, and we go for the next three games. With this attitude, we will achieve what we want."
Defender Moussa Niakhate echoes his manager's thoughts, adding: "We had three big chances in the first half, but we didn't score. That was the difference.
"Everybody is working hard. We can be proud. If we perform like this in the next three games, we'll stay up."
Gvardiol: Four more finals for City in title fight
Josko Gvardiol believes there are "four more finals" for Manchester City between them and the Premier League title.
City won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday thanks to a first-half header from Gvardiol before a 71st-minute Erling Haaland finish wrapped up the points.
The victory moves City one point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. The Gunners played earlier on Sunday, winning 3-2 at north London rivals Tottenham.
The destination of the Premier League title remains in City's hands as they bid for a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons, and Gvardiol acknowledged that every game between now and the end of the season is vital.
"We need to be focused on ourselves," Gvardiol told Sky Sports. "That’s what we are doing.
"There are four more finals to the end so let's do it."
Gvardiol's goal set City on course for victory at the City Ground, nodding home from Kevin De Bruyne's inswinging corner.
It was only Gvardiol's second Premier League goal since arriving at City from RB Leipzig prior to this season.
Gvardiol was somewhat surprised to get on the scoresheet, saying: "I didn't expect to score, but I found myself in a good position.
"It was really tough especially as the pitch was really dry. It's a more than important three points."
Pep Guardiola was delighted to come away with the three points against a Forest side fighting for their lives at the bottom, with the defeat to City leaving Nuno Espirito Santo's men in a perilous position, just a point above the relegation zone with three games to play.
"It was a difficult game," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "They played with bravery. They have fast players with a lot of quality.
"It is a great victory as we had a lot of games behind us. These games are so, so tough at this stage in the Premier League. Now we have a long week to recover."
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