Manchester United takeover news LIVE Glazers ‘refusing to spend’ and Sheikh Jassim latest
Manchester United fans are still hoping for a solution to the takeover saga months after the club went up for sale.
In a statement in November, the American family said they had started a process that would “consider strategic alternatives for the club” and in which Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani would begin talks.
However, despite the best efforts of those involved, the saga is still no closer to its conclusion. Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim are both confident their bids will be successful and the Raine Group is monitoring the process.
Ratcliffe and Sheik Jassim have submitted very different proposals. Ratcliffe wants to secure a majority stake in the club, while the Qatari bid want to secure full control and acquire 100 per cent of it from the Glazers.
Discussions between all interested parties are still ongoing and we will inform you about all the news about the takeover in this blog.
Below you will find all the latest updates on the takeover situation.
07:35GeorgeSmith
Glaser ‘refuse to sanction spending’
Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the takeover situation, the Glazer family is refusing to approve spending in the transfer window.
This is according to a report by the Mirror, which claims that the American family is not ready to dig deep to support Erik ten Hag’s recruitment campaign. It reportedly made the Dutchman “angry”.
07:00GeorgeSmith
Ten Hag’s patience “tested”
According to a report by the EPL Index, Erik ten Hag’s patience is being tested by the long duration of the United takeover saga.
The whole saga is now more than seven months old and threatens to disrupt Ten Hag’s summer transfer plans. United have been slow to emerge from the traps this summer and the takeover situation risks missing key targets.
In addition, there is still uncertainty about the amount of the Dutchman’s overall budget.
Steven Railston
Berbatov at the takeover
“The acquisition has to happen soon because then you will have the security and the funds to buy the players you need. Now is the time for Manchester United to challenge and if the takeover affects Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans for the summer he will of course be furious as the club needs to be strong in the transfer market to be able to compete with Manchester City. Hopefully the acquisition can happen soon so Erik has the funds to buy the players he needs.”
Steven Railston
Insights into Ratcliffe’s United transfer strategy
After a strained relationship with their current owner, Manchester United fans are hoping for a bright future together.
The two candidates to take over the club are Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speculation suggests the latter is in the best position to complete its purchase, as Avram and Joel Glazer are reportedly ready to agree to a full sale.
However, sources close to Sheikh Yassim refused last week to admit that the process favored her bid and seemed to indicate that both parties had equal chances of completing a takeover. Should Ratcliffe win the race to buy United, there remains some uncertainty as to how much money United would have to spend on the transfer market.
Read more here.
Steven Railston
United’s midfield plans depend on the takeover saga
United face a crucial summer as they look to shape their midfield for the future.
Erik ten Hag is keen to sign Mason Mount as the attacking number eight, with the Englishman’s flexibility being a huge advantage. He would of course fit into midfield alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, with Christian Eriksen also vying for a spot.
That leaves United in limbo over who they want to keep as a midfield substitute. Scott McTominay has been linked with a move but at 24 and as a United youth product there is more appeal for the club to keep.
Read more here.
Steven Railston
Welcome
Hello and welcome to today’s Manchester United takeover blog.