Erik ten Hag is already meeting Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United takeover promises

Whichever way it goes, Manchester United fans will just be glad when the takeover process is finally concluded as long as the Glazers are gone.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposal might not offer that reprieve, though, with reports suggesting he could allow Avram and Joel Glazer to stay as minority shareholders. It may be a reason why some supporters see Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani as the more appealing option.

His desire for 100 per cent of the club and his vow to clear the mass debt through his Nine Two Foundation makes things simple, for all his backdrop doesn’t.

The same justified criticisms over homeland human rights concerns levelled at the Saudi owners of Newcastle will constantly be fired at Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim too, should his bid be successful.

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It is right that they should be highlighted and questioned. Meanwhile, without making any galling comparisons, little has been said about INEOS’ booming profits from oil and gas ventures amid a domestic cost of living crisis.

These muddy waters only add to the lack of clarity around the takeover process. However, all United fans are very transparent in what they ultimately want: Success on the pitch.

In their statement confirming their initial bids both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim were inevitably forthright in their desire to see this unfold.

Sir Jim outlined his ambition to make United “the number one club in the world once again” through a “fan-centred approach”. This echoed the rhythm of Sheikh Jassim’s pledges made shortly beforehand.

His statement read: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of