Mercedes F1 chief reveals talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Man Utd investment

Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff has admitted he has talked with Sir Jim Ratcliffe about his plans to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United.

Ratcliffe is set to buy a 25% stake in the Red Devils - a transaction which is expected to be approved by club stakeholders in the near future.

90min understands that Ratcliffe wants to use his wealth of contacts from across the sporting world once he joins United on an official basis, with cycling expert Sir Dave Brailsford in line to join a new-look leadership committee at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is a co-owner of Mercedes alongside Ola Kallenius and F1 chief Wolff, who has revealed that he would be interested in investing in United if the opportunity arose.

"Jim has shared the trajectory with me. I very much respect his values and we trust each other," Wolff told the PA News Agency. "If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it.

"Jim and Manchester United is a love story because he is born there. Our personal relationship is strong and with Ola Kallenius, they call us the Three Amigos because we live in the no bull**** world.

"If felt I could contribute then I would consider joining him at Manchester United."

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In a later interview with Sky Sports, Wolff was once again quizzed about the possibility of investing in United.

"I had the Press Association before saying what I thought about Jim's investment and whether I would join in. I said he's such a clever person, if I could contribute we would have a chat, but no that's very far away," he added.

When asked if he was a United fan, Wolff replied: "I'm a Premier League fan! I think it's the toughest environment, I'm a Pep Guardiola fan so I guess that's not compatible!"

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