Manchester Fans’ Discontent Grows as Glazers’ Preferred Bidder Draws Ire

Manchester United Supporters Unite Against Glazers’ Preferred Bidder, Demand Transparency

After years of discontent among Manchester United fans due to the Glazer family’s ownership, which was marked by a heavy debt burden and lack of investment, the potential sale has generated widespread anticipation and excitement among supporters.

In the sale of the Club, Manchester United supporters are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the long-winded takeover process, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe leading the race to buy the club.

Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of INEOS, a multinational chemical company, has expressed his keen interest in venturing into the world of football ownership. Ratcliffe, known for his passion for sports, has reportedly set his sights on Manchester United as a platform to fulfill his ambitions and elevate the club’s stature. With his substantial financial resources and business acumen, Ratcliffe aims to revive Manchester United’s glory days and restore their position among European football’s elite.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, a prominent Qatari banker and member of the royal family, has also emerged as a serious contender in the bid for Manchester United. The Qatari royal family, known for their extensive investments in sports and entertainment, already holds ownership stakes in other high-profile football clubs. Their potential acquisition of Manchester United would further solidify their presence in the footballing world and enhance the club’s global reach.

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However, the bid has taken new twist as the most preferred successor by the Fans is not the most preferred bidder by the Glazers. 

The club supporters have lost cool and have been seen around Old Trafford protesting for the delay by Glazers to relinquish the club. Fans want the Glazers to cut ties completely with the management of the club and preferring Sheik Jassim to take over as in his bid he has made it Glazers will not be part of the Management. It seems the Glazers on the other side are giving INEOS Chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe an upper hand to take over as he has promised Glazers to take a part in Management and retain the them. 

The big question Falls between either to choose “Glazers preferred bidder” or “The Highest Bidder”

With the CEO of INEOS soon to be designated the preferred bidder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to seize a commanding lead in the campaign to acquire Manchester United.

The Glazer family, United’s infamous owners, started the investing process last year by declaring they would seek for “strategic alternatives,” including a complete acquisition. That began a protracted and difficult process that has already included three rounds of offer submissions.

The American ownership group hired US businessman Raine Group to manage the transaction in the hopes of obtaining a record-breaking £6 billion for the Premier League heavyweights. Ratcliffe, once the richest man in Britain, and Qatari financier Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have both been candidates throughout the entire process.

Sheikh Jassim is adamant that he wants to buy the entire club and that his offer would be made entirely debt-free. “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more,” says a statement issued in February.

Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which plans to invest in the football teams, the training facility, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience, and the communities the club supports, will handle the bid fully debt-free.

To put his own mark on the football team, Ratcliffe, who already owns OGC Nice in France, will want his own man in charge. Any choice to retain the Glazers in any form will be met with fierce opposition from fans eager for a fresh start after nearly two decades of costly mismanagement.

It was rumored earlier this month that Ratcliffe’s proposed takeover would include a provision allowing him to fully acquire the Glazers in 2026. According to Sky News, if the option wasn’t exercised after three years, there would be other opportunities later on. Carlyle and Elliott Management have offered to buy a minority stake.

Should the deal proceed as anticipated, the acquisition of Manchester United by Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani would undoubtedly mark a new era for the club. The move holds the promise of injecting fresh capital, visionary leadership, and renewed ambition into the iconic football institution, setting the stage for an exciting future ahead.