Man Utd takeover: Offer price revealed as Qataris table final bid

Jacque Talbot

• 28 Apr 2023 19:49 BST
• 3 min read

The Qatari group looking for a full takeover of Manchester United have made an improved bid for the club.

The group have launched an offer of just over £5 billion mark. The Glazers' valuation, however, is £6bn, so there are fears that it the bid submitted by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani tonight has come in a bit short.

Nevertheless, it will break the world record for a sports franchise - with the 10pm final deadline looming. Sheikh Jassim’s bid is thought to be the only one for full control of the side - with an attempt made for 100% of the club.

READ MORE: Man Utd takeover: Ed Woodward to pocket £14m for Sheikh Jassim sale

If accepted his bid would buy out the Glazers and all other shareholders - bringing an end to the American’s 18-year reign, the Daily Mail report.

Sheikh Jassim’s main rival for United is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is considered Britain’s richest man.

His bid will be a controlling stake of more than 50%, allowing for the two Glazer brothers, Joel and Avram, to keep their 20% stake in the Premier League giants.

Indeed, the Qatari royal and INEOS owner, respectively, having lodged bids closest to the Glazers' £6 billion valuation.

But some among the Glazer family have thought a minority investment would be preferable, with US investment giant The Carlyle Group recently entering to race on those terms.

Ed Woodward in the money

But if Jassim's full takeover at £5 billion is to go ahead - as is now being reported - Ed Woodward, the former executive vice-chairman, is set to land a windfall of more than £14 million.

"Ed Woodward would benefit from a full MUFC takeover," Tweeted the Athletic's Manchester United journalist Laurie Whitwell. "He has 551,486 shares, which equate to £8.8m at today's market price of $20.

"Should Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bid be successful at £5 billion, that means a price of $32.5/share. Woodward's windfall: £14.3m."