Manchester United are one day closer to a takeover, but the outcome of the seven-month-long process remains unclear. The Glazers were expected to announce their decision on a preferred bidder this week, but while reports are leaning towards a particular suitor, that announcement has yet to come.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and parties eyeing a minority stake will still feel like they are in with a shout.
Express Sport rounds up all the latest news surrounding United’s takeover.
Sheikh Jassim in ‘exclusivity’ talks
Sheikh Jassim has made a significant breakthrough in his bid to become United’s new owner, according to Reuters.
It’s claimed the Qatari businessman is negotiating exclusivity with the Glazers, though he hasn’t yet reached that stage.
If Sheikh Jassim enters an exclusivity period, Ratcliffe or any other bidder wouldn’t be able to interfere, and it would just be a matter of time before a takeover is complete.
But other reports suggest there is a feeling that the Raine Group are pushing the narrative for a very specific reason.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid belief
And that reason was laid out by the Guardian a day after the Reuters claims emerged…
It’s said that there is a belief that Raine and the Glazers are attempting to tempt Ratcliffe to improve his current bid.
Ratcliffe was viewed as the frontrunner because his offer allowed the Glazers to retain a minority stake in the club.
However, Sheikh Jassim’s improved fifth bid earlier this month was seemingly a turning point to place momentum in his favour.
The Glazers’ latest delay
But the wait for Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe to complete a takeover looks set to continue for weeks to come, despite the initial deadline being in March.
According to The Times, the Glazers are likely to remain in control at Old Trafford into the start of next season.
The approval process for a potential new owner is expected to take between eight and 12 weeks.
It’s the latest frustrating delay of a saga that, at this point, would do well not to hit the one-year mark.
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