Sheikh Jassim feels INEOS are ‘stalking horse’ as Man Utd saga goes on

LGBTQ+ activist concerned by potential Qatari takeover of Man Utd

Sheikh Jassim feels INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are a ‘stalking horse’ as the battle for a takeover of Manchester United goes on. The Glazers confirmed back in November they were open to a potential sale. However, seven months on, there’s still no indication of what the family will decide to do.

Sheikh Jassim has lodged four bids for United so far, with the Qatari billionaire’s last offer coming over a fortnight ago.

He is yet to hear back from the Glazers, however, amid suggestions Ratcliffe is actually the frontrunner in the process.

Guardian journalist Jamie Jackson, however, has told Football Fan Cast that Sheikh Jassim remains optimistic that his pursuit will pay off.

And it’s also claimed his foundation believe Ratcliffe is ‘almost a stalking horse’ so the Glazers can get even more money for their asset.

“On the flip side, Nine Two Foundation take confidence from the fact that despite that cautious optimism, INEOS have not been placed in a period of exclusivity or given the title of the preferred bidder,” he said.

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“What that means is the door is always open.

“I think the Nine Two Foundation feel like INEOS is almost a stalking horse to try and drive up the price, so if Qatar are to succeed, then they’re still likely to have to go higher, which would mean if we include the indicative offer, a fifth bid.”

The Glazers have been quiet throughout the process.

Avram Glazer, co-owner of the club, is set to be in attendance for the Red Devils’ FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City on Saturday.

After that game is out of the way, the situation should become clearer.

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Erik ten Hag has previously admitted he’s unsure of how much money he’ll have to spend in this summer’s transfer window, amid a desire to strengthen the squad.

But United seem to be pressing ahead with recruitment plans regardless.

They’re keen on signing Mason Mount from Chelsea, with personal terms reportedly already agreed.

Yet the Blues want big money to let their academy graduate go and it’s possible United will be priced out of a deal.

Harry Kane and Jeremie Frimpong are also targets for the club.

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While the Glazers are open to a takeover, however, the family accepting minority investment can’t be ruled out either.

Firms such as Elliott Management and Carlyle Group are ready to give the Americans funds to use on the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

And whether the Glazers do finally end up leaving United, after 18 years of controversial rule, remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, speaking recently, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor opened up on the United takeover process.

And he called on the Glazers to ‘go back to America’, while also expressing concerns over the Red Devils should they end up retaining power.

“I do feel sorry for Man United, I feel their pain,” he said.

“I do mock them sometimes about wanting the Glazers out, but when you hear about what’s going on behind the scenes – the fans must be pulling their hair out.

“It’s time for the Glazers to go back to America, let new owners come in and help them compete again.

“Man United aren’t far away. They’re three or four players away from competing for a league title.

“If the Glazers stay in, then you can’t see that kind of investment coming.

“I think they’re playing with fire and I can see a lot of backlash from the fans if they stay at the club.”

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