Ben Jacobs on what Man Utd bidders have now been told over takeover

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Ben Jacobs has now shared what bidders wanting to buy Manchester United have just been told about any potential takeover of the Old Trafford club from the Glazer family.

The Manchester United takeover process remains ongoing as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim fight for potential control. Reuters had reported earlier this month that Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation had been granted exclusivity. But The Times noted it remains an open race.

Ratcliffe and Ineos also held a marginal edge on Jassim in the race to take over Manchester United earlier in June, per The Times. The deal values the Red Devils at around £6bn. The Glazer family ultimately paid almost £800m to become Manchester United’s owners in 2005.

What has Ben Jacobs said about the Manchester United takeover process now?

Manchester United do not feel any need to give Ratcliffe or Jassim exclusivity in the takeover process, Jacobs claimed earlier in June. The CBS journalist also noted that the process had entered the final weeks. Both bidders were in deep talks and being readied to ‘win’ the race.

Now, Jacobs has doubled down on his information. He has claimed that Manchester United’s lack of desire to give exclusivity to either Ratcliffe or Jassim ‘remains my understanding’. The Red Devils have also told both bidders in process letters that they will not grant exclusivity.

Old Trafford chiefs have no desire to hold exclusive talks with Ineos or Nine Two Foundation. They feel the open bidding war to take over Manchester United gives both groups the ability to complete any purchase and replace the Glazer family, should they receive the green light.

Ratcliffe and Jassim both have executable deals in the pipeline to buy the club

Ratcliffe and Jassim’s groups have also advanced past the stage normally associated with a preferred bidder in exclusive talks. Both bidders are undertaking the necessary works for a full takeover of Manchester United in case the Glazer family do ultimately accept their offer.

Additionally, the lack of exclusivity ensures the Manchester United takeover battle remains a battle between Ratcliffe and Jassim’s groups. Both have executable deals in the pipeline. So, the chances of either landing exclusive rights remain beyond minuscule as talks continue.