Manchester United had been put up for sale – but new reports suggest that the takeover isn't as simple as first anticipated
(Image credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United owners, the Glazer Family, may choose to remain in control of the Red Devils, following leadership bids made for the club this month.
The club won their first silverware in six years at the weekend, following Erik ten Hag leading Manchester United to the League Cup trophy at Wembley. Many expected this to be one of the final trophies of the Glazer ownership, however, with substantial bids submitted in the last month to take control of the club.
Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has entered the race to buy the 20-time English champions, while lifelong fan and INEOS entrepreneur, Sir Jim Radcliffe is also in the running. However, reports are emerging that the Glazers might not actually sell at all – and certainly not from the bids submitted so far.
Manchester United won their first trophy of the Ten Hag tenure this weekend (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to a person close to the situation, per the Financial Times, the Glazers haven't received a bid good enough to accept just yet.
"The Glazers have received a variety of proposals from other potential suitors, including several minority investment proposals that would allow them to raise capital at a more attractive price and retain control of the English Premier League club, the person said," according to FT.
Both Sheikh Jassim and Radcliffe have shown that they are committed to the club on a personal level. Radcliffe has been a fan for decades and was present at the 1999 Champions League final, while Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two foundation is both a reference to the Class of 92 and how long he has supported the team.
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Manchester United stadium Old Trafford could be demolished under new ownership (Image credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images for Epson)
According to FT, the club's advisors, US bank Raine Group, are sifting through the offers at present. Sheikh Jassim's bid is thought to be for around $4.5 billion – Ratcliffe's is unknown in value.
Manchester United is listed on the New York stock exchange, with a market value of roughly $3.8bn. The club has around $700mn of debt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
