Man Utd takeover LIVE – Fan boycott set as Ratcliffe plots partnership

Man Utd boss Ten Hag jokes with reporter about 'bouncing back'

On the eve of the third and final deadline for Manchester United takeover bids, news about the potential offers set to be tabled to the Glazer family is starting to leak out. Leading suitors Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani will join a cluster of parties eyeing a minority stake in making approaches.

A preferred bidder could emerge from the pack as early as the start of next week as the Raine Group’s 10pm deadline on Friday approaches. Sheikh Jassim is expected to bid for full control of United, buying out the Glazers’ 69 per cent stake as well as others.

But Ratcliffe could allow the unpopular American owners to remain attached to United by holding a minority stake worth around 20 per cent. The INEOS chief is ready to make a move that could prove to be the most appealing, with the Red Devils’ value expected to soar in the coming years.

Express Sport provides all the latest news and views on the United takeover. Follow LIVE updates below…

Fans plan protest and boycott

Manchester United fans will be in their thousands as they protest the Glazer ownership on Sunday.

The 1958 supporter’s group have planned a protest that will unfold across Manchester ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

And protestors intend to boycott the first 18 minutes of the match in what could be the biggest show of support for a full sale yet.

Ratcliffe to offer Glazers stake

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will allow the Glazers to retain a stake in his third and final Manchester United bid, according to reports.

The Times claim that Ratcliffe will propose to buy a controlling stake of just over 50 per cent through INEOS.

But Joel and Avram Glazer would keep a 20 per cent stake, and 30 per cent would remain with various investment groups.

It’s bound to be an unpopular option among a large section of the Manchester United fanbase, who are calling for a full sale only.

But it could be the most attractive proposition once final offers arrive at 10pm on Friday.

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Morning!

Good morning!

Welcome to Express Sports Manchester United takeover LIVE blog this crisp Thursday morning.

There could be a busy day in store before this evening’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

So strap yourself in and let’s do this!

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