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.
16.06.2023 - 01:59 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says it might only be a "matter of hours" before Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim is announced as the club's next owner.
The Sheikh has been locked in what is widely believed to be a two-horse race to take over at Old Trafford with Failsworth-born billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of the INEOS petrochemical company, although the Glazers could still end up remaining at the helm with investment from a number of US groups another potential option. With the process having dragged on for seven months now, fans have been craving an update with Erik ten Hag hoping to make moves in the transfer window to help build upon an encouraging first season at the club.
Five rounds of bidding have now taken place, with Sheikh Jassim's self-imposed deadline passing last week. He is now no longer expected to actively engage in discussions with the Glazers and Raine Group, which is handling the sale, as he believes they have had ample time to seek clarification and revision of the offer.
And Ferdinand has now said he has been given reason to believe Sheikh Jassim's takeover will go through "imminently".
READ MORE: Premier League announces change to takeover rules amid United sale process
"The Man United takeover is imminent," Ferdinand said on YouTube. "We are hearing the Qatari bid is the one that has been accepted, the one that is imminent and the one that is going to go through. Hallelujah, man. I cannot wait. Please let this happen.
"Look how long this has gone on for. The Glazers have dug their heels in. It will go to the biggest bidder which is normal in negotiations but I want this to be resolved before the transfer window kicks in and now it is opening and starting to move."
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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 supporters' group The 1958 has announced plans to protest against the Glazers amid ongoing frustration regarding a prospective takeover of the club.
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'.
Former defender Rio Ferdinand has already delivered a glowing assessment of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana amid Manchester United's reported interest in his signature.
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 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.