The Glazers 'could make last-minute decision' and retain Manchester United in shock sale U-turn

The Glazers could yet decide to keep Manchester United instead of approving a takeover of the club, a new report has claimed.

While Sheikh Jassim's group is said to be 'increasingly confident' of winning the takeover race, as reported by Bloomberg, it is claimed that the Glazers could yet make a 'last-minute decision'.

The United takeover process has been ongoing for over seven months, with the Qatari businessman, through his Nine Two Foundation, submitting five offers to buy the club.

The latest of those was tabled earlier in June, with the Daily Mail claiming he had set a deadline for a response from the Glazer family, after which he would stop engaging with the process if a response was not received.

There have been few updates on the situation since then, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS also at the forefront of the race to take over the club.

The Nine Two Foundation wants a full takeover, with Ratcliffe wanting a majority share in the club.

Qatar group 'confident' of Man Utd takeover - but U-turn possible

Bloomberg say that people around Sheikh Jassim's camp are 'quietly confident' that they have done enough to see off the bid from Ratcliffe and take over United - although spokespeople from both the Qatar group and United refused to comment publicly.

It is claimed that Ratcliffe's offer has received opposition from current minority shareholders, who would not be bought out as part of the proposal.

The report also adds that one shareholder sent a warning that independent directors 'could be at risk of being sued' if they recommended a bid that 'favours one set of shareholders over another'.

But it is also reported that, as per a source, the Glazers could yet make a 'last-minute decision' to stay at United and instead accept an offer for a minority share in the club in order to renovate the stadium and other facilities.

This would create a scenario where the family could stay in charge at United, but possess the additional funds required to make improvements at the club - although that would not go down well with the club's supporters.

Among the parties to propose a minority shareholding are Elliott Management, the former owners of AC Milan. ESPN reported this month that, as per sources, minority investors are still in the takeover race.