The Manchester United sale process drags on and negotiations continue to take place behind the scenes.
Journalist David Ornstein has told The Athletic that there is work ongoing to bring a resolution to the Manchester United sale process.
The Glazers invited offers for Manchester United last November, and while that brought a moment of hope to the club’s supporters, the way the saga has dragged out has gradually eroded a lot of optimism.
11 months on the situation is at stalemate, with fans fearing the Glazers won’t even sell at all.
David Ornstein update on Manchester United takeover
Speaking in a Q & A with The Athletic, David Ornstein said that he is now hearing that it is Sir Jim Ratcliffe who is now the favourite to win approval.
But, he says this could quickly change, as this has gone back and forth with Qatari bidder Sheikh Jassim all year.
Ornstein said: “We’re getting question after question on this. I’m assured there has been movement and, contrary to reports that it going the way of Sheikh Jassim, I keep hearing that INEOS taking a minority stake and building from there remains more likely.
“That said, I was previously being told it’s going to Sheikh Jassim! This shows either the momentum keeps swinging or that none of us really know. Perhaps even the Glazers don’t know.”
Ratcliffe intends to get foot in the door
Sheikh Jassim’s offer is for 100 per cent of the football club, and this model is what Manchester United fans prefer, because it will mean the total removal of the Glazers.
But with suspicion the Glazers are reluctant to sell, even just their majority stake to Ratcliffe, he is exploring a minority offer.
The Guardian reported at the start of October that Ratcliffe is considering remodelling his bid to 25 per cent offer, to get a foot in the door.
This would be highly controversial among United fans, as the Glazers would remain in charge, but it is expected Ratcliffe would eventually aim to use this as a platform to buy them out totally, so patience would be required.
Bloomberg reported in late June that Sheikh Jassim was confident of winning the race.
David Beckham wants takeover change
Manchester United legend David Beckham famously wore a green and yellow scarf backing fan support against the Glazer family, way back in 2010.
He has now spoken to CNBC, to say it is time for new owners at Manchester United.
Beckham says: “At the moment there’s no stability. We need to get the talk back on the field rather than off the field.
“I want to see an ownership group take over which will actually take it back to what it should be.
“I’m not saying the past owners have done a bad job because we have still been very successful on the field and off the field, but for me, it is the right time for somebody else to take over.
Asked whether he could be an ambassador for Sheikh Jassim’s bid, as Talksport reported, Beckham played down these suggestions.
He said: “At the moment there has been no discussion with that [being part of the Qatari bid].
“Obviously I have had a long standing relationship with Qatar because of my involvement with PSG, when I played there and we won the championship, so obviously there’s going to be some connection there and people talking about my involvement in Manchester.
“I think something is going to happen. I think there will be a takeover. It is the right time, I think we all have our own opinions on who we feel should take over, but in my opinion, it is whoever cares about the club the most, that is going to take it back to where it should be.”
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