Manchester United takeover news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe vow, Qatar statement and what happens next

The soft deadline for interested parties to submit an offer for Manchester United has now passed. Raine Group - who are organising a potential sale on behalf of the Glazers - have received two confirmed bids so far from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Various other parties including Elon Musk and an American hedge fund have also been linked but at this stage Hamad Al Thani and Ratcliffe are at the front of the queue. Both bidders have released statements demonstrating their intent at returning the Red Devils to the top of European football again as the process now moves onto the next stage.

Here is a round-up of all the very latest after a busy few days of updates.

Also read: What Ten Hag told fans at full-time

What happens next?

The bids made public last week were only indicative and that was only the first stage of the takeover process. Those who have registered interest will now enter a 'data room' where they will be able to see the relevant financial information concerning the club.

United - or indeed the Raine Group - are unlikely to make any public statements as things stand.

Glazers keeping staff and players away from process

Figures at Manchester United are being kept in the dark by the Glazer family over the process to potentially sell the club to avoid on-pitch distractions. Bids were formally submitted by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe before Friday's soft deadline of 10pm.

It is understood the Glazers are solely dealing with the Raine Group, the investment bank managing the probable sale of United, to avoid distracting the football staff.

There is some apprehension among staff at United as to what the outcome will be of the process