INEOS founder and Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted negotiating with all of the Glazer siblings during the Manchester United takeover is difficult in extracts leaked from a new book.
14.06.2023 - 04:31 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Manchester United takeover process is now in its seventh month and it is still not clear who is likely to take charge at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani are the frontrunners having both tabled multiple bids since declaring their interest earlier this year.
Sheikh Jassim wants 100 per cent of the club and has pledged to wipe the debt and revamp facilities through is Nine Two Foundation. He set a self-imposed deadline of Friday although last Wednesday’s fifth bid still stands.
It’s been a long road for bidders since the Glazers announced the club was up for sale in November. Both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim first went public in February after submitting bids amid the first deadline.
ALSO READ: Manchester United could be about to get transfer clarity
Bidders were required to contact The Raine Group, the US bankers overseeing the takeover, having done the same for Todd Boehly’s purchase of Chelsea last year. Interested parties had to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which prevents the release of any discussions about the process.
A number of bidders who opted against going public are thought to have entered in before the first deadline. Offers were considered before some were granted access to a ‘data room’ which outlined the finances of the club.
In March, a several bidders were invited for talks at Old Trafford with tours of the facilities, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended in person, before second bids were asked for. A third round of bidding was then called in April, infuriating United fans who demanded the process to be wrapped up.
Both Sir Jim and Sheikh Jassim have tabled several further revised bids since. One other bidder who initially went public was Finnish
INEOS founder and Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted negotiating with all of the Glazer siblings during the Manchester United takeover is difficult in extracts leaked from a new book.
Ex-United forward says takeover won't solve everything
Manchester United fans have been warned both prospective new owners will bring moral baggage to the table should either conclude a deal for the club.
Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has called on the Glazers to decide on their preferred takeover bidder before the start of the 2023/24 season.
It's been more than seven months since Manchester United owners the Glazers announced plans to 'explore strategic alternatives' for investment, paving the way for a protracted takeover process which still seems some way from completion.
Manchester United fans have hijacked an Instagram post of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani with his family amid the ongoing takeover saga.
The Glazers are still mulling over how the Manchester United takeover process will conclude with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe awaiting a response.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged the Glazers to make a quick decision on the takeover after admitting Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's bid was 'exciting'.
Manchester United's protracted takeover continues to rumble on and has reached its eighth month following the Glazers' announcement to "explore strategic alternatives for the club" back in November.
The Manchester United takeover saga continues to rumble on with seemingly no end in sight.
Tomorrow marks exactly seven months to the day since the Glazer family put Manchester United up for sale and we are still no closer to reaching an outcome.
Manchester United's takeover saga continues to rumble on as this week with supporters still in the dark about where the ownership situation stands.
Manchester United fans are still patiently waiting for a formal update on the proposed sale of the club.
Manchester United midfielder Fred may feel uneasy at the prospect of Sir Jim Ratcliffe becoming the club's next owner.
It is almost seven months since the Glazer family announced plans to either sell Manchester United or welcome fresh investment. The saga remains ongoing and supporters' patience is beginning to wear increasingly thin.
Manchester United's takeover process is reportedly nearing its conclusion as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe battle it out for ownership of the club.
Brendan Rodgers has already warned Manchester United they could become Sheikh Jassim's "plaything" should his takeover bid for the club should prove successful.
Manchester United's takeover saga continues to be shrouded in confusion following claims Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has been granted exclusivity in the negotiations to take over.
Manchester United fans were left shocked on Monday evening after reports from Qatar suggested that Sheikh Jassim's bid had been successful and the takeover of their club by the banker would be announced 'soon'.
Here are your Wednesday morning Manchester United headlines.