A takeover of Manchester United by either Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim will not be affected if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to a new report.
Ratcliffe and Ineos, as well as Sheikh Jassim, are among the leading contenders to complete a majority or full takeover of United from the Glazer family.
They have both offered differing proposals. Ratcliffe wants majority ownership at first, but Sky News report that he has inserted a 'put-and-call' clause into his bid which, if successful, would either force the Glazers to sell their remaining shares to him, or force him to buy them, at 'specified future dates'.
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Sheikh Jassim, meanwhile, reportedly wants a full takeover of United, with the bid launched through his Nine Two Foundation.
And there is a proposal from Elliott Management, the former owners of Italian giants AC Milan, to purchase a minority stake in the club.
As it stands, any successful bidder will be in at least partial control of a Champions League club, with Erik ten Hag's side currently on course to finish in fourth place in this season's Premier League.
But a run of two consecutive defeats has piled the pressure on United, particularly as fifth-placed Liverpool sit a point behind them after playing a game more. They have won their last six matches.
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However, a new report has provided clarity on whether takeover plans will be affected if United fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Man Utd takeover 'not affected by Champions League'
According to The Athletic, bids from both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim are 'not contingent' on which position United finish in the Premier League this season.
Therefore, if Ten Hag's side do only secure Europa League qualification, the possibility of a takeover, or its value to the Glazer family, would not be changed.
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That is because the report adds that the value of both offers is also not contingent on finishing position, and that both parties remain 'fully committed'.
The takeover reports, however, will be the last thing on Ten Hag's mind as he looks to guide his team to a successful end to the season.
They can complete the domestic cup double by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and finishing in the top four would represent a strong first season in charge for the Dutchman.
When asked on Friday about whether he had been told about potential transfer funds for next season should a sale occur, Ten Hag stated (quotes via London Evening Standard): "No, I don't have. I don't have influence on that - I don't know.
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"The only thing I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs and I think it's among maybe two biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective. So, I think this club has to compete for the highest in the world, so Champions League, Premier League."
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League
Ryan Smart