'Sir Jim Ratcliffe should let me help him – I want to give Man Utd £375million'

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Former Manchester United bidder Thomas Zilliacus has tabled a fresh £375million proposal for the club. The Finnish entrepreneur competed against the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim when attempting to buy United in 2023.

When the Glazer family offered United up for complete or partial acquisition three years ago , Zilliacus put forward his supporter-driven bid, which he insisted could have generated up to £15billion for the club.

The ex-Nokia executive ultimately pulled out of the running . Ineos secured sporting authority as Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7 per cent shareholding in the club. But Zilliacus now has another proposition for United in the shape of a substantial sponsorship agreement.

He told the Manchester Evening News : "I have decided to offer Manchester United a sponsorship deal through my company XXI Century Capital Group. I want to be able to give a Christmas present to Manchester United.

"For me, it's not about owning something. It's not about having a trophy to show off. It's about how we make Manchester United so strong financially that they can become the number one club, not only in England, but in Europe.

"So, I have decided to propose a $500m (£375m) sponsorship deal over five years. It goes back to global fan engagement and how we get the fans involved around the world .

"I have a programme that in a very interesting way activates these fans and it's around that that I am confident I can offer this sponsorship deal over five years. With that money, Manchester United could significantly strengthen their squad and do other things as well.

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"Within the XXI Century Capital Group we have a number of brands. It wouldn't necessarily be the XXI Century Capital brand that sponsors. It could be some other brands within the group. It could be Champion Circle, which is the specific fan engagement programme."

Zilliacus also expressed his desire to collaborate with Ratcliffe at the club. He added: "I would love to be working with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. When us three, Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim and I, were bidding for Manchester United, I said, 'Look, instead of just trying to overbid each other and make the Glazer family even more wealthy, why don't we work together for the benefit of the club?'

"That is still how I see things. You usually get better results when you work together. I want to be heavily involved in agreeing on how sponsorship would work. Then when it comes to developing the club, I would be very happy to offer my ideas, my thoughts and my advice but I would not impose.

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"I would not say, 'Look, you have to include me in some decision-making.' But I do think there are so many things that could be done even better.

"Starting from player acquisition to how we make the fans happier with everything that they experience, be it inside the stadium or outside the stadium.

"I also have experience in developing sports arenas and have views on the stadium. So I would very much like to be involved with that. From the sponsorship angle, this would also open up new opportunities that would be a win-win for all parties."

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