Man Utd takeover decision IMMINENT

Tom Hancock

• 11 Jun 2023 17:56 BST
• 3 min read

The preferred bidder in the long-running Manchester United takeover saga looks set to be confirmed any day now.

It’s been seven months since the Glazers announced that they were seeking fresh investment in Man Utd – and the race appears to be between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of chemicals conglomerate INEOS, and prominent Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

And, if reports on Sunday (June 11) are to be believed, there should be some big news on the process very soon indeed.

MORE: Man Utd takeover – Sheikh Jassim U-turn after PSG advice

According to MailOnline, a decision on a favoured party is expected by the end of next week.

What’s more, while Ratcliffe had appeared to be leading the race, the report adds that Sheikh Jassim’s representatives are confident that the Qatari bid could succeed following an improved offer last week.

It remains to be seen whether the Glazer family – who took full control of United way back in 2005 – will agree to a full sale of the club or give up a majority stake, allowing them to stay on as minority shareholders.

Sheikh Jassim is said to be eyeing a complete takeover of the 13-time Premier League champions – while Ratcliffe, a lifelong Man Utd fan and, per the Sunday Times, Britain’s second-richest person, is understood to be interested in the latter option.

MORE: Man Utd unwilling to meet asking price for Ten Hag's 'high priority' target

A big decision ahead of a big summer

Fans will be hoping for a swift conclusion, as any kind of buyout could have a big impact on the club’s transfer budget this summer.

Under Erik ten Hag, United finished third in the Premier League in 2022/23, ensuring qualification for next season’s Champions League.

And a pivotal transfer window lies ahead, with a new centre-forward top of the shopping list at Old Trafford.