The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, withdrew from the bidding to purchase Manchester United from the Glazer family, therefore it seems probable that the deal will be completed this week.
Sheikh Jassim’s weekend withdrawal from the competition has made it possible for British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy a 25% stake from the Glazers, who own 69.9% of Manchester United.
Despite Manchester United’s estimated £2.6 billion current market value, Ratcliffe, who is currently the favourite to purchase the team, will reportedly pay between £1.3 billion and £1.5 billion for the stake.
Ratcliffe, a rival bidder who sought to completely seize control of the Premier League club from its American owners, the Glazer family, is reportedly considered to have been “more savvy in his deal execution” than Sheikh Jassim.
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The Glazer family purchased Manchester United for £790 million in 2005 in a highly leveraged deal that has come under fire for piling debt on the team, according to OBASANJO NEWS24.
Since the Glazers acquired the team in 2008, Man United has won 13 trophies, including a Champions League victory in 2008 and five Premier League championships. In 2009 and 2011, they were defeated by Barcelona in both of their Champions League final losses.
Financial expert Kieran Maguire uncovered this a few months ago, claiming that the Glazer family had only invested £94 million in infrastructure improvements at the club over the past ten years.
Before his contract was mutually ended last year, former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly complained about the club’s facilities to OBASANJO NEWS24.
Ronaldo has reportedly complained about the facilities at Old Trafford and Carrington to senior club executives on a number of occasions.
The Glazer family chose to list Manchester United for sale in November 2022, though.
However, the Red Devils’ takeover has dragged on for several months.
The two front-runners to purchase the Premier League giants were Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe.
But with the most recent development, Ratcliffe is about to close a deal for a 25% share in Man United, which might give him authority over sporting decisions at the club.
Ratcliffe might be in charge of Man United’s business in the January transfer window if his application, which is expected to be approved in the next few days, goes through. Ratcliffe is 70 years old.
With the goal of making Man United “the number one club in the world once again,” it is anticipated that the Ineos chairman will exert substantial effort to win over the fan base and win over supporters.
In response to a question about how the potential takeover might affect Manchester United’s success on and off the pitch, sports analyst Stanley Smart told the Daily Post: “Well, with the recent events involving Manchester United, if Ratcliffe finally succeeds in his proposal of purchasing 25% of the club from the Glazers, then it would be a good one.
I think it would be a new beginning for the club and its supporters if the conditions of the agreement allowed him to have complete authority over the team’s sporting operations without interference from the American owners.
“The Glazers have held sway for a long time. Personally, I favour a full takeover, but they haven’t shown that they’re ready to leave the club just yet.
“I think the club’s fortunes both on and off the pitch would alter significantly if the Glazers would refrain from interfering and let Ratcliffe handle football affairs. I believe it’s time for a change. Because he is British, Ratcliffe can relate to the team’s supporters. He would affect the supporters, players, coaching staff, and manager.
“He would also bring the steadiness that Old Trafford seems to be lacking at the present. Like during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, Man United needs to bring back off-field conversation on the pitch. On the pitch, the supporters desire success.
“They [Man United] will always be among the top sports organisations in the world. However, for me, the Glazers have not performed poorly because the team continues to enjoy success both on and off the pitch. I feel Ratcliffe would have a positive sports impact on the club at this time, which is the appropriate time for someone else to take charge.
When asked if Sheikh Jassim’s plan would have been a better one for Manchester United, Smart responded, “Yes, I think Jassim’s deal would be able to clear the club’s debt, make significant structural changes both off and on the pitch, and also spend a lot of money in the club.
But one of my worries is if he can appoint the proper individuals to oversee the team’s sporting endeavours and restore Man United’s reputation as one of the top teams in the world.
Additionally, Jassim’s deal would have been significant for the Glazers, but as I already mentioned, the American owners still desired a part in the team.
Ratcliffe, though, would do better if given complete authority over athletic things, in my opinion, as Man United needs leadership that promotes a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive game.
They require leadership that upholds the tenets of the organisation while also creating a pleasant atmosphere and culture.
Ratcliffe is qualified to provide these things to the club, and they also need someone who is prepared to make difficult choices in order to prevent a deterioration in the club’s public image.
