The Glazers could remain in charge of Man Utd after being offered the financial backing to stay on as owners

The Glazers could remain in charge and Manchester United, after receiving the financial backing to stay on as owners, according to a new report.

In November, the Americans shocked the football and financial world by announcing they would explore “strategic alternatives” for United, which could result in a sale.

On Friday bids for ownership of the club were submitted from Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group.

Ineos’ proposal will reportedly emphasise that Manchester-born Ratcliffe, would be "a British custodian for the club" and would aim to "put the Manchester back into Manchester United".

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim is chairman of Qatari bank QIB and the son of a former prime minister of Qatar. His consortium did not provide details regarding the amount they had proposed for the club.

However, there is now concern among United fans that the controversial Glazer family will look to take investment and retain a majority stake in the club, rather than sell it.

Glazers to stay at Man Utd?

ESPN claim that the Glazer family has been offered the financial backing to remain owners of United by American hedge fund Elliott Management.

Indeed, on Saturday, the New York-based group registered an interest in investing in the Premier League giants. Elliott’s emergence in the sale process has created the possibility of the club’s co-chairman, Joel and Avram Glazer, retaining an interest in the club.

Indeed, it had been widely reported earlier this month that Joel and Avram Glazer were keen to remain at United, and were hoping to attract outside investment to help fund the modernisation of Old Trafford and a new training ground.

According to ESPN, sources involved in the bidding process have said Elliott’s proposal is for “possible financing, not a bid for the club.”

The hedge fund, which has assets of £45billion, could reportedly offer the Glazers the opportunity to negotiate investment in the club if a full sale cannot be achieved.

Elliott is regarded as one of the largest activist investor funds in the world and previously financed former AC Milan owner Li Yonghong before the Italian club were sold to Redbird in 2022.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Qatar, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.