Manchester United supporters find themselves in a state of uncertainty as the eagerly anticipated sale of the club keeps stalling.
The Glazer family, who have owned the club for 18 years, continue to be a source of frustration for fans due to their ownership practices.
Two prominent figures, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are considered front-runners in the bid to purchase the club, with rival bids having been placed in the previous season. Speculation about the Glazers’ potential exit gained traction following their announcement of a “strategic review” of their ownership.
However, fans and former players are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in the sale, particularly in light of Chelsea’s recent takeover which involved facilitation by the UK Government.
Ben Jacobs, while speaking to GiveMeSport, has shed light on Sheikh Jassim’s continued interest in acquiring Manchester United.
“With the takeover, we’re just seeing a bit of a PR game because Manchester United are not succeeding on the field,” he said. “Of course, the suitors are indicating that they don’t want to raise their value, which is something that they’ve said pretty consistently.
“Ultimately, part of the frustration of the whole process has been the smoke and mirrors and competitive tension. So it’s natural that the groups would indicate via sources which they have done so, that they’re not prepared to pay more, and Sheikh Jassim in particular has always said that he believes the Nine Two Foundation are paying well above the market value of the club, which statistically is correct.
“So I still don’t think that we can rule out another bid from Skeikh Jassim, simply because we got told after the final bid deadline in April, even though that was only a soft deadline, that that would be the last offer. Then we got told after the fourth bid that that would be the last offer then we got told after the fifth bid that that would be the last offer.”
Nevertheless, Jacobs points out that the club’s lackluster on-field performance may complicate the public relations aspect of the potential takeover.
The uncertainty regarding the future ownership of Manchester United continues to grip the club and its supporters, awaiting a resolution that will hopefully bring stability and positive change to one of football’s most iconic institutions.
