Manchester United fans continue to wait for the club's takeover to be finalised.
16.06.2023 - 05:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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.
Current owners the Glazers announced their decision to "explore strategic alternatives for the club" back in November, with a seven-month wait following that initial statement. Five rounds of bidding have taken place with several US banking firms, Shiekh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe entering the race to become the next owners of the Old Trafford outfit.
The Qatari banker set a deadline for Friday June 8, after which his Nine Two Foundation said they would no longer actively participate in discussions as they feel the Glazers and Raine Group, which is handling the sale, had had ample time to seek clarifications and revisions to his offer.
Now, the Reuters news agency has claimed that Sheikh Jassim has been granted exclusivity and could be set to take the helm at United. But those reports have also been widely dismissed by other outlets.
READ MORE: United takeover news - LIVE updates
Reuters reports being told by people familiar with the matter that the Glazers are set to cash out and sell 100 per cent of the club to Sheikh Jassim. It is claimed United would not be allowed to negotiate with any other bidder during the exclusivity period, although it is not clear how long this might last.
The report states: "The sources cautioned that the situation remained fluid and a new bid from Ratcliffe could prevent Sheikh Jassim from securing exclusivity."
But the BBC's football reporter Simon Stone, along with several other Manchester United correspondents, moved to quash the report. Stone tweeted: "Re Man United ownership. No
Manchester United fans continue to wait for the club's takeover to be finalised.
Manchester United are busy working away in the transfer market looking ahead to next season but in the background the club's takeover saga continues to rumble on.
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.
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Wednesday, June 28.
Manchester United’s share price dipped to $21.82 on Monday, the lowest in a week, before rebounding again.
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 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.