Man Utd takeover: How will Champions League qualification failure affect bids?

Tom Weber

9 May 2023 16:45 BST
3 min read

Jim Ratcliffe, Shiekh Jassim, Man Utd, 2023 — © ProShots

The Manchester United takeover saga keeps dragging on with no end in sight. Given the Red Devils' recent struggles, how will failure to qualify for the Champions League impact the ownership question?

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The optimism of recent months has given way to despair at Old Trafford. The takeover question is still not resolved, and the prospect that the hated Glazers will retain a stake in the club remains, while things have turned sour on the pitch to make matters worse.

Embarrassing defeats to Sevilla in Europe and West Ham in the league have dented United's hopes of getting into the Champions League next season, though they are still in a good position to make it with a game in hand on chasing Liverpool.

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But what will happen with regard to the takeover if they don't make it? Will that impact the bids of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim?

No reason to panic

Pessimistic United fans who are convinced that they won't feature in Europe's premier competition next season won't have to worry about the takeover, according to The Athletic and backed up by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

While undoubtedly a blow to United's aspirations in the transfer market and the prospects of securing their priority targets if they were to miss out, both the Qatari bidders and Ratcliffe's INEOS group remain committed to taking over United regardless of whether they are or are not playing in the Champions League next term, these reports claim.

Indeed, the potential sale of the club will not hinge on any achievements - or failures - of the playing squad, but on the current owners, the Glazers.

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Ultimately, it will be up to them to decide whether the club is sold fully or partially - or not at all. Their €7 billion valuation of Manchester United will remain unchanged regardless of European football or a lack thereof.