Ratcliffe had put in a bid that would see his group become a major stakeholder, but his switch to the pursuit of a minority share of the club would allow the Glazer family to remain in control of United.
It is unclear how the deal would be structured and if Ratcliffe and Ineos see it as a possible path to majority control of the Old Trafford team.
Such a deal may anger United supporters, who are eager to see the Glazer family relinquish ownership of the club completely.