Erik ten Hag insists he would not have accepted the Manchester United manager's role if the structure at the club was not right.
15.10.2023 - 19:23 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand’s takeover prophecy was proven wrong as soon as Sheikh Jassim pulled out of the race to buy Manchester United.
MEN Sport understands that the Qatari prince has withdrawn from the bidding process and believes the Glazers asking price to be “fanciful and outlandish”. Jassim offered £ 5bn to buy the club outright in June, a concession the American billionaires were unwilling to make.
It is now expected that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will acquire a 25 per cent stake in the club, paving the way for a complete takeover further down the line. The British billionaire will pay around £1.3billion for a minority shareholding but reports suggest he will be given “sporting control” at Old Trafford.
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The news has divided United fans, with many viewing the Middle Eastern offer as superior given similar takeovers at Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Newcastle United. There is also scepticism due to the Glazers still controlling a majority stake although, as mentioned, that could change further down the line.
United legend Ferdinand has been made to look silly after informing fans that Jassim’s takeover was imminent - four months ago. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former defender told supporters to prepare for the Glazers’ exit.
"The Manchester United takeover is imminent,” Ferdinand said. “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
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