01 August 2023 , 20:05
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The Glazer family have reportedly decided to 'pause' the Manchester United takeover process and have not responded to offers tabled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have both tabled a number of different proposals for the club in recent months. The Glazers announced back in November that they were seeking "strategic alternatives" in a statement inviting interested parties to come forward.
The high-profile duo have been considered frontrunners throughout the process, yet neither have yet been named as a preferred bidder. And it appears as though there may not be any developments on the situation anytime soon.
According to inews, the Glazers have effectively decided to 'pause' the takeover process - even though offers from Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, which are believed to be worth around £5billion, are still on the table. One source close to the takeover process suspects that Avram and Joel Glazer have been left 'disappointed' with the size of the offers lodged for the club.
The source goes on to outline that the recent record-breaking sponsorship deal with Adidas, plus negotiations over future television rights deals, could lead to the club being worth more in the years to come; particularly if the club enjoy further success under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
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Reports earlier in the process indicated that the Glazer family could be split over whether to sell up fully or not. Avram and Joel are believed to be open to staying on in some capacity; it is understood that Ratcliffe's proposal would enable them to do just that.
Join the debate! Do you think the Glazers still plan to sell Man Utd ? Let us know here.
The Glazers have decided to 'pause' the Manchester United takeover process (AFP via Getty Images)The 1958 Group, a United supporters group, hit out at the delay in the process last week. Speaking to BBC Sport, two anonymous members of the group said: "This family have inflicted untold damage, generational damage, on our club. It is personal and real to us.
"It is community. It is family. A lot of United fans would happily see United go down if it meant that the Glazer family left. Look at what happened when the Glazers came in - some fans went on to form another club. That is the strength of feeling."
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club, Ten Hag has been able to invest in his squad after qualifying for the Champions League last term.
The Dutchman has already splashed out £60million on a deal for Mason Mount and £47m to bring Andre Onana to Old Trafford from Inter Milan. The Red Devils are also on the verge of sealing a £64m deal for Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, who is undergoing a medical and set to be unveiled as a Manchester United player imminently.