Manchester United takeover latest as the Glazers pay out 'whopping fees'

It was widely expected INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be in the boardroom at Manchester United now the international break has ended.

However, like many aspects of the takeover process, there has been yet more delays for the British billionaire. MEN Sport understands Ratcliffe will acquire a 25 per cent stake in the Reds an official announcement date is still unknown.

During the break, the Reds decided to part company with CEO Richard Arnold in a move which was believed to be a sign of INEOS' impending arrival. The Manchester Evening News also understands sporting director John Murtough will be departing shortly.

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In our latest look at the takeover headlines, it would seem it's in the Glazers' interests to end the takeover process sooner rather than later.

According to the Daily Mail, the Glazers are paying out a whopping £250,000 per week in legal and consultancy fees as the takeover process rumbles on. Between November 2022 and June this year it is understood the American owners splashed £7m in this area. Further delays to the takeover process will likely result in these fees continuing so a quick resolution from here on out seems to be in the owners' best interests.

United haven't won at Anfield in their last eight visits and their task next month has just got harder. The Reds' away form has been poor to say the least under Erik ten Hag with no United fan needing to be reminded of the 7-0 humiliation on Merseyside last season. This term, an improved Liverpool team will be backed by around 4,500 extra supporters with part of their new Anfield Road upper tier to be open for the contest.