Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a potential buyout candidate, are apparently in agreement regarding the club’s takeover process. The Glazers and Raine Group are reportedly delaying making a decision as the summer transfer window approaches.
This week, it’s thought that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim made his fifth and final offer for the Red Devils. The petrochemicals millionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is now regarded to be leading the race, is the main opponent he faces.
The enormously unpopular Glazers would continue to work at Old Trafford under Sir Jim’s proposed takeover, but in Sheikh Jassim’s proposal, 100% of United would be purchased in exchange for enormous investments in infrastructure and recruitment.
He is therefore often regarded as the best option for United supporters as they seek to overtake Manchester City and relive Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday.
For the Old Trafford faithful, it is disconcerting to learn that Sheikh Jassim is ‘extremely irritated’ with the protracted takeover procedure, according to Sky Sports.. According to rumours, the Qatari is anxious for the agreement to be completed so that the concrete transfer process can start.
He now concurs with Ten Hag, who is reportedly upset at being kept in the dark about the size of his transfer kitty this summer. Harry Kane and Mason Mount are thought to be among the audacious targets in the Dutchman’s sights.
The bulk of Manchester United supporters who want Sheikh Jassim’s mega-money proposition to be successful will be concerned about his annoyance. According to reports, he might completely withdraw from the contest if it turns out that his foundation’s offer would not be accepted.
Sheikh Jassim reportedly gave the Glazers and Raine Group, the bank handling the takeover issue, until Friday before he withdraws from negotiations, although his offer will still be on the table.
More than a month after Raine Group set their initial deadline for final bids, Sheikh Jassim’s offer is on shaky ground, leaving United supporters to consider the possibility of Sir Jim guiding the team. The hashtag #RatcliffeOut is already trending on Twitter.
Given that Ten Hag’s second season as manager is approaching and that he has ground to make up on the Red Devils’ Premier League rivals, all parties, not least of whom Ten Hag, will be eager for clarity to emerge as soon as possible.