Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of acquiring a 25% stake in Manchester United, following nearly a year of negotiations, emerging victorious over Sheikh Jassim in the bid. While the Glazers will hold onto their majority shares, many are viewing Ratcliffe’s involvement as a hopeful sign towards the eventual conclusion of the Glazers’ reign.
Gary Neville, a former Manchester United captain and a consistent critic of the Glazers, has voiced his concerns and uncertainties over the new developments. Taking to social media, Neville expressed, “My preference is and always will be now for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact.”
The renowned commentator, currently with Sky Sports, emphasized the need for decisive and ‘statesmanlike’ leadership at the club. He posed several pressing questions that the fans will be seeking answers to, encompassing topics such as potential departures from the Glazer family, the individual in charge of sports-related decisions, and plans for any significant refurbishments to Old Trafford.
The news last night of the Qatari withdrawal leaves Manchester United on the brink of a minority investment.
Can this really work and what impact will it have on a struggling organisation?
It’s worth setting out my non-negotiables on a takeover of Manchester United that I made…
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 15, 2023
Directly addressing the Glazers, Neville questioned, “How does a minority shareholder stop cultural decline across a whole organisation if the people who have overseen this decline still have a majority shareholding?”
He also laid out what he believes to be crucial conditions for any takeover, which includes the establishment of a new training ground, an innovative sporting blueprint, and the settlement of all existing debt.
In the bidding war, Sheikh Jassim’s proposition, which assessed Manchester United’s worth to be over £5bn and was for a complete ownership, was turned down by the Glazers for not meeting their valuation.
