Man Utd takeover: Glazers RUIN Ten Hag's transfer plans

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 May 2023 13:10 BST
• 3 min read

The uncertainty surrounding the takeover is paralysing Manchester United in the transfer market.

The takeover saga has been rumbling on for months and despite the deadline for final bids long since having passed, there is still no clarity as to who the real frontrunners for ownership of the club are.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe used to be considered the favourite due to his offering the hated Glazers a chance to stay on board and retain a 20 per cent stake in United. His valuation also matched that of the Americans.

READ: Arsenal and Man Utd target DEMANDS summer transfer

Sheikh Jassim, however, was recently reported to have submitted an improved 11th-hour bid meant to make the Glazers reconsider. He wants full ownership of the club.

The situation is still not resolved, however, and it could ruin Manchester United's summer plans.

Sabitzer deal impossible, Neymar not pursued

The uncertainty surrounding the takeover means that coach Erik ten Hag is still unsure about how much money he will have at his disposal for the upcoming transfer window. With United having several problem areas in the squad, this could prove to be a major issue.

Ten Hag wants a new striker, midfielders, defenders and even a goalkeeper, but will likely be able to only bring in one big-money signing as things stand. The Dutchman is keen on keeping on-loan star Marcel Sabitzer around beyond this summer, but the ownership situation is making a deal impossible, according to Sky Germany.

READ: Here we go! Man Utd in 'active negotiations' with Neymar

L'Equipe reported earlier today that United had begun negotiating with Neymar over a possible move, but journalist Mark Ogden later rubbished those claims, stating that 'the current regime' is not pursuing a deal.

A takeover could make a move possible and would aid Ten Hag in his efforts to build a team that can challenge for Premier League titles, but right now it is looking like the Glazers might ruin United's summer plans.

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