Manchester Unitedare still under the Glazers’ rule and the delay in an Old Trafford takeover is ‘bad news’ for the club’s prospective buyers, journalist Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT.
Although the Red Devils’ current ownersannouncedthey were ‘commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives’ – which could potentially include selling the Red Devils – last November, a hierarchical change still does not appear to be close.
According toThe Athletic, there is a sense that Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid to buyManchester Unitedis still a work in progress despite his intentions to take 100 per cent control of the Premier League giants.
The ɾєρօɾτ suggests the Qatari, who is leading the Nine Two Foundation’s bid, has not touched base with Raine Group even though they were hired by the Glazers to oversee the takeover process.
Sheikh Jassim launched afinal proposallast month, and it has beenclaimedthat he could turn his attentions towards buying a domestic rival if his attempt to collect the keys to Old Trafford is unsuccessful.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has met with the Glazer family fordiscussionsand remains interested in buyingManchester United, but on different terms.
The Ineos billionaire is willing to keep Joel and Avram Glazer on board, while the structure of his offer hasprovoked oppositionfrom minority shareholders.
Respected ɾєρօɾτer Jacobs recentlytold GIVEMESPORTthat the transfer budget handed toManchester Unitedchief Erik ten Hag will not be impacted if a takeover is completed before the summer window slams shut.
What has Ben Jacobs said about aMan Unitedtakeover?
Jacobs believesManchester Unitedmay not change hands until the transfer window is already closed, or in the final stages, meaning the new owners will not have time to improve the squad.
The journalist feels the development will have left Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe disappointed as they were eager to make an instant impact.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT:”The good news forManchester Unitedis that they have been able to move in the transfer market, which was always the case regardless of any prospective new owner.
“But the bad news forManchester United, in terms of the long-term clarity, is that the window could potentially close or be very close to closing before any prospective new owner – should they come in – has any influence.
“That may not impact the ρłɑɴ coming into this window, as far as the currentManchester Unitedrecruitment team are concerned, but it’s highly fɾυȿτɾɑting to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe because when they first started this process, they were very much ρłɑɴning around being able to impact this window. Now it doesn’t look like that’s going to be able to be the case.”
What’s next for Man United?
Manchester United enjoyed a stellar first season under ten Hag’s stewardship, withTransfermarktdata highlighting that they won 42 of their 62 matches last season.
The Dutchman, who has strengthened his attacking options with the£55million captureof Mason Mount, also led the Red Devils to Carabao Cup glory and Champions League qualification.
Manchester United are preparing for the new campaign by taking on the likes of Lyon, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in pre-season, while they overcame Leeds United earlier this week.
They will get the Premier League term underway by facing Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on August 14.
