Man Utd takeover: Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'options' revealed amid £7billion claim

Finance expert Dan Plumley has given his verdict on the ongoing takeover at Manchester United - with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial 25% deal still to be confirmed.

The expert has provided his view on the future plans and options of Sir Jim Ratcliffe - and crucially the staggering figure of how much the club could be worth in future.

When the deal goes through, Ratcliffe will be handed control of the football operations side of the club.

The finance expert told Stats Perform: "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.

"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."

How much could Man Utd be worth?

He added: "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."