Man Utd owners the Glazers ‘ask two questions’ as candidates scrap

Latest Man Utd takeover news

Manchester United owners the Glazers have asked potential takeover candidates two questions in a new development, according to reports. The family have owned the club since 2005. However, both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are interested in seizing power at Old Trafford – with the pair having the wealth to make a change of ownership happen.

The Glazers confirmed back in November they were open to selling United, having ruled the roost at Old Trafford ever since their own takeover back in 2005.

Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are currently the two frontrunners when it comes to buying the club, despite the difficulties involved.

Now, according to Bloomberg, United have asked bidders to clarity their source of wreath.

The Raine Group, who are acting on behalf of the Glazers, want to know where the money is coming from as they examine their options at the club.

Sheikh Jassim has already insisted he’s launching the bid via his Nine Two Foundation, though the Red Devils want to know what is bankrolling that firm.

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And United also want to know who’d become the club’s ultimate beneficial owner should a takeover take place.

It’s claimed this puts the spotlight on Sheikh Jassim’s bid, in particular, with the Premier League looking to crack down on overseas ownership.

The new questions are also supposedly an attempt to ensure any ‘new owner complies with ethics tests recently proposed by the UK government’, too.

Spokespeople for United and Sheikh Jassim reportedly declined to comment on the latest twist.

And it was a similar story with Ratcliffe, too, amid suggestions he’s willing to let the Glazers stay part of the club if his own bid is successful.

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Those interested in United have until 10pm on Friday to launch their third offers for the club.

And whether the Red Devils are able to sort the situation out before the start of the summer remains to be seen.

Regardless of what happens, Erik ten Hag wants more transfer backing as he looks to get his team challenging for the Premier League title next season.

Harry Kane is his No 1 transfer target, though Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a switch.

And United want a midfielder, too, with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Jude Bellingham and Ryan Gravenberch all emerging as potential options in that department.

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Regarding the Glazers, Gary Neville opened up on the family earlier this month.

And he criticised them by saying: “They [the Glazers] are making it up as they go along!

“Shoddy way to run a sale process.

“They need to get out by end of May to allow the new owner a fighting chance to impact the next transfer window and get moving!”

He added: “Taking it to a third round is just classless. The market has obviously not given them the answer they want… If they stay in after all this it will be toxic!”

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has told Football Insider the Glazers taking their time is bad for the club, saying: “In all businesses, somebody has to be the budget-setter, and that person is usually at the executive level.

“It is going to be a colossal challenge at Man United if they are still unsure about their status as either being owned by the Glazers or still in the process of a takeover at the end of the season.

“There could be uncertainty with regard to who is approving of significant capital expenditure both on infrastructure and players.

“This could allow Man United’s rivals, both domestically and overseas to leapfrog them in the transfer market over the course of the summer.

“It would further set back the ambitions of the club.”

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