Man Utd takeover latest: Glazers procrastinating, Qatar confident, third bidder revealed

Robin Bairner

• 10 Mar 2023 21:50 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester United’s takeover continues to progress, albeit perhaps not with the pace that the supporters would like.

Since the Glazers announced their intention to sell the club, there has been slow but steady movement towards a deal being completed, despite rumours that Man Utd’s American owners are not convinced that they will part with the Old Trafford side.

Friday has brought more news regarding the takeover.

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Sale deadline pushed back

According to The Telegraph, the Glazers have elected to push back the deadline for the sale of Man Utd – should they even decide to sell.

They want a deal to be completed before the start of the summer transfer window, but previously they had wanted a deal to be conducted before 1 April.

It is reported that the June timescale is seen as more realistic.

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’Glazers procrastinating’

The news that the Glazers are prepared to wait on a deal has prompted a response from Qatar.

According to one insider: “One of the most important reasons for delaying the United deal is that the team’s owners are delaying to get more money, although the Qatari offer is the highest and most complete offer in all respects, and they will soon agree to it.”

Qatar confident of takeover

The view is echoed by Fabrizio Romano, who says that Sheikh Jassim is still confident a deal can be done.

“Sheikh Jassim Al Thani is still convinced to buy Manchester United. He remains keen on the Man Utd project to buy out the Glazers and minority shareholders in their entirety,” he reports.

“Al Thani feels his bid could be the best one with plans to invest on squad, youth system and facilities.”

Who is the third bidder in Man Utd sale?

It has been revealed that Elliott Investment Management has made it through to the second stage of the Man Utd takeover process along with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

A US-based hedge fund, their project is likelier to appeal to the Glazers if they were seeking to retain a stake in the club. They would make fund available to the club owners.

According to the BBC, senior staff members of Elliott met Man Utd officials prior to the Europa League match on Thursday against Real Sociedad.

Red Devils United to launch bid

Fan-led consortium Red Devils United are “developing” a bid for the club, backed by fan-funding and private investment. Their aim is to use “the collective power of Manchester United supporters to regain control of the club that they love”.

Lorenzo Alessi from Red Devils United said: “The mission behind Red Devils United is to revolutionise and democratise elite sports ownership by giving supporters a voice at the highest levels of the game."

Red Devils United have yet to formally enter the bidding process.