There are developments amid the Manchester United takeover deadlock, with one bidder ready to change his bid structure.
Manchester United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to alter his offer, and buy a 25 per cent minority stake in the club.
Sky News report Ratcliffe’s firm Ineos has proposed the idea to the Glazers, who have allowed the takeover process to drag on into it’s 11th month without resolution.
The report states: “He is still understood to want to buy a majority stake but has pitched a restructured deal in an attempt to unblock the ongoing impasse over United’s future.”
Sheikh Jassim response
Ratcliffe has been in competition with Qatari bidder Sheikh Jassim, who has made an offer to buy 100 per cent of the club.
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs insists he will not consider a similar path to Ratcliffe, who is now open to buying a minority stake.
Jacobs wrote on Twitter/X: “Sheikh Jassim will not budge on the structure of his #MUFC bid. It remains ‘all or nothing’ at around £5bn. Those close to Nine Two Foundation have always stressed they won’t entertain a minority stake or any scenario in which the Glazers stay.
“Nine Two Foundation sources reiterate anything Sir Jim Ratcliffe does won’t influence them. As one insider puts it, ”The two bids are like apples and pears.'”
Ratcliffe path to control
Sky News report that it was ‘uncertain’ whether a minority deal for Sir Jim Ratcliffe would lead to an eventual path to a total takeover – but it would mean the Glazers retain control for now.
Jacobs insists the Nice owner is playing the long game, adding: “Those close to INEOS still maintain this would be part of a more prolonged route to control.”
If that is the case, it could be a bumpy ride. Many Manchester United fans will view a deal with the Glazers as ‘teaming up with them’, and Ratcliffe is unlikely to publicly criticise them or publicly insist he intends to buy them out.
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