Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd takeover rocked by 'inaccurate briefings' as Sheikh Jassim details come to light
Manchester United continue to attract takeover interest from Sheikh Jassim with the Glazers yet to make a decision at Old Trafford.
Latest Man Utd takeover news
There has been a lack of ‘harmony’ between Sheikh Jassim and the Raine Group as the Qatari billionaire looks to buy Manchester United, according to reports. News broke earlier in the week that he’d launched a fourth bid for the Red Devils, despite previously insisting his third offer would be his last. And it’s still no clearer what the outcome of the process will be, with the Glazers yet to make up their mind.
According to the Athletic, sources close to Qatar have long ‘expressed doubts’ about whether the Glazers actually want a full sale.
The Americans confirmed back in November they were open to that possibility, shortly after being slammed by Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Piers Morgan.
But the process has dragged on and, as the summer transfer window nears, Erik ten Hag and everybody else associated with the club remain in the dark.
It’s claimed that, as Sheikh Jassim looks to win the takeover battle ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there have been accusations of ‘accurate briefings’ by both parties.
And one person involved described the situation as ‘pointing figures’ as relationships suffer.
Man Utd transfers: Ten Hag wants another Pogba and it makes sense
Sheikh Jassim only wants to buy 100 per cent of United, having made that clear right from the very beginning.
He’s willing to wipe the debt, which is believed to be worth over £500million, as well as investing in the team, Old Trafford and their Carrington training complex.
But while he’s lodged a fourth offer, and isn’t ruling out a fifth, there’s still a possibility he’ll miss out.
Ratcliffe is hoping that, by allowing brothers Joel and Avram Glazer to remain at United in a reduced capacity, he’s got enough credit in the bank to prevail.
And then there’s the possibility the Glazers will stay entirely and accept minority investment.
Don't miss...
Erik ten Hag in trouble as 'current' Man Utd transfer budget comes to light [LATEST]
Sheikh Jassim makes decision on keeping Glazers at Man Utd as last bid pondered [NEWS]
Man Utd ‘likely’ to sign a couple of big names if Ratcliffe completes takeover [TRANSFER NEWS]
Elliot Management, who previously invested in Serie A giants AC Milan, are willing to give the family the funds they need in order to redevelop Old Trafford and provide Ten Hag with more signings.
It has been a messy, prolonged saga so far and fans have made it clear they want to see the back of the Glazers for good.
Sheikh Jassim’s campaign has been getting them on-side, something he appears to have done judging by the reaction on social media.
And with Manchester City edging closer to a treble across town, United supporters are anxiously waiting to see what the final outcome will be.
Meanwhile, Simon Jordan recently slammed United fans amid a potential takeover - insisting Sheikh Jassim owning the club highlights their hypocrisy.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
“Their hypocrisy and double standards are so steeped in a lack of self-awareness that it borders on the staggering,” he wrote for the Daily Mail.
“United fans mocked their noisy neighbours when Middle Eastern money transformed Manchester City’s fortunes and they weaponised that new-found wealth to ridicule the substance of their rivals.
“They were sneering because they viewed United as an organically built club and now, without a hint of embarrassment, they are desperate for Middle Eastern ownership because it suits them.
“Fans generally bemoan football culture being diminished and demolished by money, with players paid far too much and detached from reality.
“But at the same time, fans scream for the next owner they want — and it’s invariably the one with the biggest chequebook.”
He added: “I wonder if they realise how preposterous it is to be telling Sir Jim Ratcliffe how he’s got to buy their club and if he doesn’t he can do one.
“Are they really that away with themselves that they think they can dictate to a billionaire how he buys something?
“It’s one thing putting your views across, it’s another thing being totally and utterly destructive and unrealistic.
“There is no need for vicious, vitriolic, hate-filled rants against owners. They haven’t stolen your first born for goodness’ sake.”