Sheikh Jassim faces Man Utd transfer reality check as Ratcliffe maintains belief

Man Utd fans protest outside Old Trafford

Manchester United are seemingly no closer to discovering the identity of their new owners as the takeover battle continues to rumble on without any tangible progress, leaving fans in the dark over what lies ahead. Sheikh Jassim is understood to be the favourite to win the race to acquire control but INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe said only last week that he is still planning to stay in the race as the Glazers delay their decision over selling the club.

It will come as a huge frustration for United fans as they look to move on from the American family after 18 years of ownership. And while Sheikh Jassim’s bid is thought to be near their £6billiion valuation, Ratcliffe’s offer for a majority share includes allowing the Glazers to hold a small stake in the club going forward.

Erik ten Hag, who is keen to bring in at least two more signings before the start of the new season, has been candid about his unhappiness with the delay. 

Eight months have now passed since the Glazers opened up the sale to consortiums, but the wait is set to continue as reports in Qatar suggesting Sheikh Jassim had won the race were unfounded.

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Maguire ‘to lose captaincy’

Erik ten Hag is set to make another huge decision in the Manchester United dressing room after deciding to remove Harry Maguire as captain.

The centre-back made only eight starts in the Premier League last season as Ten Hag preferred Lisandro Martinez at the back.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and the Dutch coach is ready to take away his role as captain, according to the Daily Mail.

Playmaker Bruno Fernandes set to replace him, having stepped in last season for when Maguire was not on the pitch.

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Sheikh Jassim faces transfer reality check

Manchester United won’t be able to spend freely in the transfer market even if Sheikh Jassim takes over this summer, according to reports.

The Qatari wants to bring in several star names including Kylian Mbappe but he could be left hamstrung by Financial Fair Play rules, according to Ben Jacobs.

“From the takeover’s perspective, it’s always been the case that a new potential owner doesn’t impact the window as much as Financial Fair Play,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport.

“Manchester United are, ultimately, tied budgetary-wise by Financial Fair Play. Of course, qualifying for the Champions League helps.

“A new owner could have a slightly different idea of what they want to spend but, ultimately, every club plans windows ahead. Manchester United are fulfilling their summer strategy based upon the football department and the budgets under the Glazers.”

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