Football Digest: Man Utd with work to do after sluggish start
The Glazer family could announce Sheikh Jassim’s proposed takeover of Manchester United as early as next month, according to reports. The Qatari royal is thought to have effectively won the race to purchase the club ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was willing to allow the Glazers to retain a minority stake.
The situation has dragged on for a number of months without a conclusion but it seems as though proceedings could soon be wrapped up, with Sheikh Jassim edging closer to completing a full-scale takeover. A deal could be done by mid-October, according to The Sun, while United are likely to make an official announcement at the start of next month.
It is said that Sheikh Jassim is expected to succeed with his latest offer, which is thought to be in the region of £6billion. His team are now completing their due diligence before United’s ownership changes hands, with the Glazers’ 18-year reign finally set to come to an end.
The report adds that United’s current owners were warned not to accept Ratcliffe’s offer by senior figures at Old Trafford. They initially wanted to continue holding shares in the club but were told such a move would risk sparking a ‘huge backlash’ from supporters.
JUST IN: Jurgen Klopp had dream Liverpool transfer for Jeremy Doku wrecked by own player
Sheikh Jassim is expected to wipe United’s gross debt of more than £725m to save on any further fees when the takeover is eventually signed and sealed. It means that he will not take any dividend payments from the club, as the Glazers have done throughout the bulk of their ownership.
He is also planning to upgrade Old Trafford as well as United’s training base at Carrington while continuing to provide heavy investment in their playing squad. The announcement of Sheikh Jassim’s takeover, when it finally comes, will put a welcome end to the lengthy period of speculation that began when United were put up for sale in November.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Erik ten Hag given transfer fix by ex-Man Utd coach mentored by Jose Mourinho[NEWS]
Liverpool target Andre snubs Man Utd as ‘agreement reached’ in breakthrough[LATEST]
Mason Greenwood ‘rejected’ by Championship clubs after holding transfer talks[GOSSIP]
United legend Gary Neville has been among those to criticise the Glazers for their handling of the situation in recent months, accusing them of keeping fans in the dark with a lack of concrete updates from the very top.
He told The Guardian: “What you want from leaders is good, clear communication. The Glazer family do the exact opposite. They’re in a position of authority, looking after a community, and United’s fans around the world are a global community.
“The Glazers haven’t communicated with them for nearly 20 years. The sale process is extending to an unpalatable length, everyone’s in the dark, and it’s symptomatic. They have to exit but I haven’t got faith that they’ll do the right thing.”
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.
Source: Read Full Article
