Manchester United takeover latest as Sheikh Jassim 'sends Glazers message' amid 'family squabble'
Next month will mark an entire year since the Glazers hinted at a possible Manchester United exit. Since then, supporters have been left in the dark about their club’s future, despite interest from two high-profile parties.
Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim, who features in today’s takeover digest, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe appear no closer to winning the keys to Old Trafford. On-field results have hardly improved fan optimism, with United languishing in mid-table going into the international break.
The cloud which lingers over the club gets darker with each passing day the Glazers stall and dither on a decision. Several twists and turns in the takeover saga are yet to unfold but MEN Sport understands both front-runners remain interested - for now.
Here is your daily takeover update, which includes a reaction from someone well-connected to affairs in the Middle East.
Sheikh Jassim's nine-word message
Ben Jacobs, a sports journalist who specialises in Arab-world coverage, has claimed [via Daily Express] Sheikh Jassim has given the Glazers an ultimatum: sell 100 percent of the club or no deal.
The Qatari prince is believed to have bid around £5billion for a complete sale of United. However, a rift within the Glazer family has centred around whether to fully cash in or remain minority shareholders.
Ratcliffe, Jassim’s main competitor, is reportedly open to buying a minority stake first before triggering a gradual, complete takeover. But as has been the case with similar Gulf-state-backed takeovers, Jassim is unwilling to surrender any control of his investment.
Relaying a message he heard from the region, Jacobs suggested Jassim’s stance is: “You either give us everything, or we're walking away!"
Glazer 'squabble' claim made
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