Sheikh Jassim perhaps shouldn’t be quite so ‘confident’ of winning the battle to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe highlights a problem with the Glazer siblings.
The takeover process has dragged into its eighth month after the Glazers announced they were ‘exploring strategic alternatives’ for the club in November, including a possible full sale.
Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are the two horses left in the race for United with both prospective owners submitting bids exceeding £5bn, with INEOS CEO Ratcliffe offering the chance for the Glazers to retain shares while the Qatari banker proposed a full takeover.
Reports have suggested that Sheikh Jassim has become more ‘confident’ his bid will be successful in recent weeks, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Qatari-backed bidder is ‘convinced his bid is very good for the future’ of the club.
The Athletic claimed over the weekend that Sheikh Jassim was ‘preparing documents’ ready for the takeover.
This has led to speculation that Ratcliffe may no longer be in the running, but journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that ‘insiders are adamant’ that’s not the case.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said: “At the moment, nothing is progressing on the INEOS side even though it hasn’t been communicated to them that they’re formally out of the race. In fact, quite the opposite.
“Many insiders are adamant that they’re still there. So, this would also suggest that Qatar can be somewhat more positive, but also sceptical because they’re in the dark as to the Glazers’ intentions.
“So, from Qatar’s perspective, they either think they’re going to win or it will be a no sale and form Ratcliffe’s perspective, the group are going to have to work out how they can get Board approval, if they are to proceed. Otherwise, they could be out the race.”
Ratcliffe revealed his positive relationship with the Glazers in his new book serialised by The Times, but also highlighted a problem he’s experienced when negotiating with the siblings.
Ratcliffe said: “They [Avram, Joel, Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward, children of the late Malcolm Glazer] are all very nice, despite the press they get.
“Josh was really hospitable.
“But the club is owned equally by siblings and you can’t talk to that many siblings, really.”
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