Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes swipe at United star Fernandes in opening page of book

The British billionaire's £1.25billion acquisition of a minority stake in the Red Devils is close to finally being concluded.

talkSPORT understands that the INEOS chief will buy 25 per cent of the Old Trafford outfit, with high-profile stars Raphael Varane and Casemiro at risk of being sold.

And it's not just the Real Madrid legends that the 71-year-old seemingly has a problem with, but also with United's midfield maestro Fernandes.

Writing in his book 'Grit, Rigour & Humour: The INEOS Story', Ratcliffe took aim at the Portuguese playmaker over his theatrical play acting.

In the opening page of the book, Ratcliffe spoke in awe of the physicality he witnessed in a rugby match in the Pacific as he discussed his travels.

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Describing what he saw, he 'felt the ground tremble every time a Cook Islander smashed into another in a local rugby match'.

He then added that one player was 'carted off in the back of a pick-up with a broken leg'.

Firing his subtle dig at the United skipper, he noted that it was 'a far cry from Bruno Fernandes clutching his untouched face in the Liverpool debacle recently'.

The incident Ratcliffe is referring to his Fernandes' antics during the humiliating 7-0 defeat away at Anfield last season.

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After throwing himself to the ground following a 50-50 ball with Reds goalkeeper Alisson, he then looked to get French defender Ibrahima Konate sent off.

Having been shrugged off the ball, Fernandes instantly hit the deck clutching his face - causing him to be blasted by United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane.

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Speaking on Sky Sports commentary at the time, Neville said: "There was a VAR check for an elbow - it was on his chest.

"Oh, he holds his face. That's embarrassing from Bruno Fernandes. It's on his chest and he goes down. He's so frustrating at times."

As for Keane, he blasted: "Fernandes' body language was nothing short of disgraceful. He's a really talented boy but he's your captain.

"So much talent but his body language of waving his arms about and not running back? You wouldn't be happy with him in your dressing room."

Ironically, Fernandes is suspended for United's trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool next, with Richard Keys arguing he got booked against Bournemouth on purpose.