"Insiders are adamant..." - Journalist drops intriguing update on Man Utd takeover battle

A journalist has dropped an intriguing update on the Manchester United takeover.

It’s been over seven months since the Glazers announced they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for United, and it remains uncertain who will be the club’s owner once the new season begins.

Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the frontrunners in the takeover race, though in the past week, it has been claimed the latter has become increasingly confident his proposal will come out on top.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Sheikh Jassim, who is looking to buy a 100 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club, is leading the race, though is also prepared for the possibility that the Glazers may opt against selling.

Furthermore, Bloomberg financial reporter David Hellier also claimed last week that Ratcliffe’s bid was “dead in the water”.

Indeed, according to Hellier, Ratcliffe’s United bid does not sit well with the club’s minority shareholders, who have reportedly made it clear to the Glazers that such a proposal is not acceptable.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Ratcliffe is still involved in the takeover race.

Ratcliffe’s takeover bid

Jacobs suggested that Ratcliffe has been told that his United bid still has a chance of being accepted, despite a series of reports claiming the contrary.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “At the moment, nothing is progressing on the INEOS side even though it hasn’t been communicated to them that they’re formally out of the race. In fact, quite the opposite.

“Many insiders are adamant that they’re still there. So, this would also suggest that Qatar can be somewhat more positive, but also sceptical because they’re in the dark as to the Glazers' intentions.

“So, from Qatar’s perspective, they either think they’re going to win or it will be a no sale and from Ratcliffe’s perspective, the group are going to have to work out how they can get Board approval if they are to proceed. Otherwise, they could be out of the race."

Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Manchester United, Qatar

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.