The Glazers are still mulling over how the Manchester United takeover process will conclude with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe awaiting a response.
The saga is now into its seventh month with fans receiving no official update since November’s announcement that the board was looking into “strategic alternatives” for the club.
Both offers are said to be below the £6billion valuation wanted by the Glazers, who may yet decide not to sell. Sheikh Jassim wishes to buy 100 per cent of the club while Sit Jim Ratcliffe wishes a majority takeover.
Reports suggest Ratcliffe has offered to keep Avram and Joel Glazer on as minority shareholders, a move that would be hugely unpopular among the United fanbase. Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim has promised to clear the club’s debt and upgrade facilities.
Sheikh Jassim ‘could sack three United officials’ upon takeover
Sheikh Jassim could replace a number of the United hierarchy if he wins the takeover race, according to The Express. The Qatari banker may wish to replace a number of current officials with people whom he trusts, it suggests.
The article moots that the jobs of CEO Richard Arnold and Director of Football John Murtough could be on the line, as could technical director Darren Fletcher’s.
Murtough is thought to have a good relationship with Erik ten Hag regarding transfers while Sheikh Jassim’s reported eagerness to involve club legends means Fletcher’s dismissal would be puzzling.
Sheikh Jassim wishes to complete a full-scale takeover of the club, which could mean structural changes. The Guardian reported earlier this month that some club staff, of which there are more than 800, are fearing for their job security amid the ambiguity of the takeover process.
‘The Glazers must go’ – Gary Neville on Sheikh Jassim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and takeover
Amnesty International, the world’s leading human rights organisation, has criticised a potential Qatari-led takeover of United and they have claimed it would be a ‘sports-washing protect’ and a ‘wake-up call’ to the Premier League.
Neville was asked for his preference between Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe and said: “I don’t mind, I genuinely don’t. I’d like the Glazers to leave in full, even now with how they’re dealing with the sale process, which means it’s ultimately dragged out.
“They can’t make a decision and there are other examples of that. They can’t deal with things that are difficult. Hopefully we can have a full exit, but with the Ratcliffe bid, it looks like a part exit with two of them staying [Joel and Avram]. I don’t like the idea of that.
“If that bid comes forward and is successful, which is the talk, I’d like to think there’s a fixed exit for the Glazer brothers organised in let’s say, two years, so we know they’re leaving. Ratcliffe comes in and brings in another investor to take them out.”
