Man Utd bidders left 'baffled' by lack of progress with summer transfer plans in doubt

Manchester United bidders Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have been left in the dark by the Glazer family, Miguel Delaney has claimed.

In November, United’s controversial owners the Glazers stunned the football world by announcing they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for United, which could ultimately result in an outright sale.

And four months later Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British petrochemicals billionaire Ratcliffe both placed revised world record bids to purchase the club.

However, in the two weeks since the second bids were filed the Glazers’ communications have reportedly gone quiet.

Man Utd takeover update

According to the Independent’s Delaney, the United bidders have not yet received any update on the sale process, which has led to “bafflement” in some quarters.

While there is reportedly hope there will be a response this week, the bidders had initially anticipated an update within seven days.

The situation has reportedly led to the belief that the Glazer family are intent on keeping their stake in the club and are raising minority investment, while there is also the fear they could be seeking to attract other bidders.

Delaney wrote that there is uncertainty regarding the Glazer’s position and should the situation drag on it could affect United manager Erik ten Hag’s summer plans.

The reporter claimed: “There has been no indication over whether the American owners of Manchester United will enter into exclusivity with one group or will go to a third round of bidding.

“The general feeling is nevertheless that the Glazers are surveying all options to drive the price of the club up, and will only sell if they receive an offer of at least £6biliion.

“That uncertainty has fed into the planning of the team for next season, as any sale or investment could drastically change United's budget.

“Erik ten Hag is intent on signing a striker as his main priority for the summer, but recruitment figures are unable to make cast-iron assurances to the representatives of players or clubs.”