The five serious bidders for Man Utd

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 10 Feb 2023 11:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Some 'five serious bidders' have put their names forward to purchase Manchester United.

The Mail report that the group of Qatari private investors who are set to launch an attempt at a full takeover of the club will now face competition from four rival groups.

The ‘soft deadline’ for offers is set for next Friday and bids have already been made. It is thought that a number of groups will merge together to strengthen their hand in purchasing the side, similar to the sale of Chelsea last year.

READ MORE: Who is Paul Mitchell? A look at the sporting director linked to Liverpool and Man Utd

As well as Qatar, groups from the United States are in for the club, as is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who’s considered Britain’s richest man.

The businessman had given his strongest indication yet that he has funding in place, working with investment banks Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase & Co, who are prepared to back his offer with bonds and loans and cover the club’s huge £659m debt.

Those who signed confidentiality agreements have been given access to details of United’s financials - one of which was a party from Saudi Arabia, though not the owners of Newcastle.

The Glazer family reportedly want £6bn for the club and is open to two separate forms of investment: whether that be a single cash sum or a commercial partnership.

The preliminary stages have attracted more than 20 parties and a full takeover is the likest outcome.

The Qataris, not the QSI group affiliated with Paris Saint Germain, feel theirs will be the strongest bid.

The Glazer's era draws to an end

The Glazers put the club on the market in November amid fan protests and condemnation of their running of the club.

The family have owned Man Utd for near to 20 years. Their purchase led to phoenix club FC United of Manchester being forged in Moston, north of the city centre, in opposition to their buy.