Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus, who previously attempted to buy Manchester United in 2023, has announced plans to return with a fresh investment proposal aimed at gaining control of the Premier League club.

Zilliacus confirmed he has begun drafting a new approach and intends to contact potential backers  including current co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to explore ways to take a stake in United or pursue a full takeover.

The businessman’s renewed interest comes amid continued speculation that the Glazer family could entertain new offers, with reports of possible involvement from Middle Eastern investors, including Saudi adviser Turki Al-Sheikh.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Zilliacus said his motivation remains the same as it was two years ago  to restore Manchester United to its historic status as the world’s leading football club.

“My love for the club has gone nowhere,” he said. “This is about joining forces with the right people to bring Manchester United back to where it belongs  at the very top.”

Zilliacus reiterated that any bid he leads would be “fan-inclusive,” promising a model that gives supporters more say in the club’s ownership and operations something he claims the Glazer family has long resisted.

He also emphasized his willingness to collaborate with Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim, or any investor who shares his vision. “I’m not in this for a trophy. I’m in this to make the club great again,” he added.

Zilliacus was one of several bidders in 2023, alongside Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, but his fan-led proposal arrived late. Ratcliffe’s INEOS group eventually secured a 27.7% stake and control of football operations earlier this year.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United have seen a series of ownership disputes and managerial changes, and their on-field decline has mirrored off-field uncertainty. Zilliacus hopes his return could spark a new chapter in the club’s turbulent modern history.