The Glazers family, owners of Manchester United, are preparing to hold a board meeting in the coming days to discuss fresh proposals from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding the future ownership of the club.
Ratcliffe, along with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, has submitted multiple bids since the Glazers announced their intention to potentially sell the club in November 2022.
Ratcliffe’s latest approach, which involves him initially taking a minority stake of 25 percent, is believed to have given him an advantage over his rival. The Glazers are said to prefer this arrangement over the full takeover proposed by Sheikh Jassim. The board meeting will provide the owners with an opportunity to evaluate the merits of Ratcliffe’s new proposal.
However, there is “no certainty” that the Glazers will agree to Ratcliffe’s plan. It remains possible that Sheikh Jassim may increase his own bid, as he has shown a preference for a complete takeover. He has indicated his willingness to consider taking a smaller stake in the club, but his primary offer is still on the table.
The pendulum is thought to have swung back to Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe has previously made significant investments in football, acquiring Swiss club Lausanne-Sport in 2017 and French club Nice two years later. His approach for a 25 percent stake in Manchester United would involve him taking control of shares held by the Glazers and some minority investors.
The Glazers have expressed their desire for any investment to value the club at £6 billion. The family has been in control of Manchester United since 2005, and there have been reports suggesting differing opinions among family members regarding the potential sale.
Billionaire Ratcliffe has acknowledged that the bid for Manchester United represents a significant step, citing his prior experiences with Lausanne and Nice. He has recognized that acquiring a prestigious brand like Manchester United carries a different level of scrutiny and pressure.
The fate of Manchester United’s ownership is still uncertain, and the board meeting will play a crucial role in determining the direction the club takes in the near future.
