06 March 2023 , 19:20
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Manchester United's staff have been promised there will be clarity on the takeover situation before the end of the season.
The Glazers are exploring outside investment or a full sale of the club they bought 18 years ago. The Americans are deeply unpopular among the club's fans, with the Red Devils having gone a decade without winning the Premier League title.
Two bids are known to have been made for a full takeover, with a group led by Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani battling British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The soft deadline for bids closed more than a fortnight ago, though a public statement on the situation is yet to be made by United.
Despite that silence, ESPN reports that staff at Old Trafford have been assured there will be clarity on the ownership situation before the season's end. Further talks have been scheduled with representatives of Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim.
Both bidders have offered below the Glazer's £6billion asking price, though it is hoped the talks will result in a compromise. There is said to be hope that an agreement could be in place by the end of April.
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It is claimed that Raine, the bank handling the takeover negotiations, has signalled that the Glazers remain willing to accept a full sale. One of the Glazer siblings, Avram, was in attendance at Wembley to watch United win the Carabao Cup final.
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Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's bid is thought to be leading the race as it standsWhile he and brother Joel are thought to be reluctant to give up control of the Premier League giants, the takeover process is progressing. According to RMC Sport, Sheikh Jassim's bid is in pole position.
While there is a proposal from Ratcliffe on the table, it is the Qatari bid that is ahead in the race. Giving Sheikh Jassim's bid the advantage is the fact he has submitted an offer which would rid the club of their debt and one which would not need a loan.
If one of the bids progresses past the scheduled talks, the potential buyers will be given access to United's financial accounts and legal data. It is expected that process will take up to four months to complete if the Glazers continue to have a desire to sell.
While little has been said publicly since submitting their bid, the Qataris are thought to be drawing up plans for the future of United. Erik ten Hag's job will be safe, having won the Carabao Cup, while Sheikh Jassim has pledged to return the club to their former glory.
"The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more," a statement confirming the bid read.
"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports."