The Glazers are retaining control of Manchester United for one reason

News of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending introduction as a minority stakeholder was met with some scepticism over the weekend but it's become a natural reaction for Manchester United supporters.

Nearly two decades of controversial ownership by the Glazers has sowed the seeds of cynicism among fans and an 11-month takeover process hasn't helped. Patience has worn thin since last November's announcement of a strategic review and in hearing of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani's withdrawal from the bidding, the prospect of a buyout disappeared.

Ratcliffe won the race by doing something the Qatari banker didn't, adapting his proposal on multiple occasions to appease the Glazer family. The Ineos owner began by wanting to own a majority stake in United but now looks set to take just 25% with the view to increase that in the future.

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There has been little evidence over the past 18 years to suggest the Glazers' decision to stay in power is about anything more than themselves. Having been unable to drum up the interest that would see them sell to the highest bidder, they will take the payout of a 25% sale and hope the big money comes in the future.

At the Premier League's Invitation To Tender (ITT) on Wednesday evening, there was confirmation of several major changes to TV rights from the 2025/2026 season. Two-hundred-and-seventy matches will be made available for broadcast - an increase from the current 200 - and there is hope a four-year deal can be agreed, breaking tradition from the usual three years.

Those increases will inevitably see Premier League teams take home a