Manchester United fans continue to wait for the club's takeover to be finalised.
16.06.2023 - 05:30 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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'.
It's been seven months since the Glazers first announced they would explore 'strategic alternatives' for investment at United, essentially opening the door for a buyout. Several candidates expressed an interest, with a number of deadlines whittling it down to the two frontrunners - Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
With the summer transfer window due to open on Wednesday and Erik ten Hag demanding a summer of significant investment, fans and staff alike are hoping for a swift resolution so focus can be directed towards signings.
Below is a round-up of the latest takeover news.
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Ratcliffe remains 'optimistic'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains 'optimistic' he can pip Sheikh Jassim and complete a takeover of United, owing to his proposal that the Glazers maintain a minority stake in the club, according to reports.
Unlike Sheikh Jassim, INEOS founder Ratcliffe is not offering to buy a 100% stake in the club, originally bidding to buy out the Glazers' 69% share and become the majority shareholder. However recent reports suggest that brothers Joel and Avram could keep a small share, with Ratcliffe instead buying just over 50%.
Despite the Qatari camp growing in confidence and submitting a fifth bid last week thought to tip the scales in their favour, the Independent reports due to the range of options they are giving the family with regards to how much they sell.
Such a proposal is a source of anger for United fans, who want to see the Glazer
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.
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.