A proposed takeover of Manchester United is allegedly unlikely to happen this year despite the recent reports surrounding a possible sale of the club by the middle of October.
Last November, the Glazer family signalled that they were open to discussing a sale of the 20-time English champions, and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have since emerged as the leading candidates to complete a takeover.
A recent report claimed that Sheikh Jassim had won the race, with the Qatari banker expecting to complete a full takeover by mid-October.
Sheikh Jassim's team were thought to be 'completing their due diligence', with the saga seemingly reaching its end point after a number of road blocks.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the takeover process is no closer to completion, and there has been 'no real movement' despite the recent reports.
© Reuters
The Glazers have allegedly not yet accepted an offer from either Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe, suggesting that a deal is highly unlikely to occur before the end of the year.
The offers on the table are believed to be around £5bn, but the Glazers are thought to have set a £6bn valuation of the club and are not prepared to negotiate.
There are huge differences when it comes to the bids from the two leading candidates, meanwhile, as Sheikh Jassim wants to complete a full 100% takeover.
The Qatari is said to be prepared to commit significant funds to improve Old Trafford and the club's training ground, in addition to providing head coach Erik ten Hag with a large transfer budget.
© Reuters
Ratcliffe, on the other hand, is only looking for a controlling stake at this moment in time, with a full takeover of the club happening at a later date.
There is still believed to be conflict within the Glazer family when it comes to the best course of action, with the siblings said to have different ideas.
Sections of the Man United fanbase protested against the Glazers ahead of the team's opening match of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.
There are said to be fresh protests planned for before the game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, when the team will be aiming to bounce back from their 2-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation, Man United have been able to make three new signings this summer, bringing Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund to the club, but further additions, including potentially a goalkeeper, left-back, central midfielder and striker, will depend on exits.
Matt Law
