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Man Utd owners the Glazers have takeover 'preference' with plan to win over supporters
Manchester United fans are still awaiting the fate of their club as the Glazers mull over a series of takeover bids.
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The Glazers would reportedly prefer to retain control of Manchester United by the end of their takeover process, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to fight an uphill battle. But the Red Devils' controversial owners do at least have a plan to appease supporters, with new funding on the horizon in one form or another.
Raine Group, the bank overseeing United's prospective change of hands, has continued talks with takeover hopefuls this week as fans wait for clarity on what has turned out to be a long, drawn-out process.
Sir Jim is believed to have proposed buying a controlling stake in United which will allow the hugely unpopular Glazers to stay in the boardroom in a minority capacity, at least for the next few years. Sheikh Jassim, meanwhile, wants to buy 100 per cent of the club.
The bid led by the prominent Qatari banker is favoured by many United supporters as it would come with comprehensive investment in the playing squad and Old Trafford itself.
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However, according to The Independent, there is a 'belief' behind the scenes at United that the Glazers' 'preference' is to raise just enough money to renovate the stadium while remaining in control.
As such, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim are not the only parties in the running, with others having proposed to buy a minority stake in the Red Devils. The Glazers remaining at the top of the boardroom would cause outrage among the fanbase, but the American billionaire family do at least have a plan to try and ease tensions.
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With the poor state of Old Trafford one of fans' key gripes in recent years, the Glazers would reportedly use any prospective minority investment to redevelop the ground. Senior United figures are believed to have been inspired by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which is now a key revenue driver for the north London club.
Old Trafford is the largest stadium in the Premier League with a capacity of over 74,000, but its rundown condition meant it was damningly overlooked for the UK and Ireland's bid to host Euro 2028.
While the Glazers' reluctance to surrender control of United is supported by the length of takeover negotiations, a decision is expected soon with manager Erik ten Hag reportedly growing impatient as the summer transfer window takes shape.
With around two weeks needed for Premier League approval if a takeover occurs, Ten Hag could be made to wait even longer for new signings while United's rivals make progress.