After the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, withdrew from the competition to purchase the club from the Glazer family, Manchester United’s takeover is set to be completed this week.

Due to Sheikh Jassim’s weekend withdrawal from the competition, the Glazer family, who own 69 percent of Manchester United, will sell a 25% stake to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Despite Manchester United’s current market worth being somewhere around £2.6 billion, Ratcliffe, who is now the favorite to purchase the club, 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.

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.

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.

According to financial analyst Kieran Maguire, who made this revelation a few months ago, the Glazer family has only invested £94 million in enhancing the club’s infrastructure over the past ten years.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a former forward for Manchester United, was unhappy with the club’s facilities before his contract was mutually ended last year.

Ronaldo has reportedly complained to senior club officials on a number of times about the condition of the facilities at Old Trafford and Carrington.

But the Glazer family chose to put Manchester United up for sale in November 2022.

But the Red Devils’ conquest has dragged on for a while.

Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim were the two front-runners to purchase the Premier League powerhouse.

The most recent development, though, is that Ratcliffe is about to finalize a deal for a 25% share in Man United, which might give him power over the club’s sporting decisions.

Ratcliffe might be in charge of Man United’s business in the January transfer window if his request, which is anticipated to be approved in the coming days.

With the goal of making Man United “the number one club in the world once again,” the Ineos chairman is anticipated to put out substantial effort to win over the fan base and win over supporters.

Sports analyst Stanley Smart responded to the question of how the potential takeover might affect Manchester United’s fortunes both on and off the field by saying: “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 feel it would be a new path for the club and their supporters if the terms of the arrangement could see him have complete control of the sporting business of the club without interference from the American owners.

“The Glazers have held the reins for a very long time. Personally, I favor a complete takeover, but as of now, they are not prepared to leave the club.

“I think it would do a lot to change the club’s fortunes both on and off the field if the Glazers would stop interfering and let Ratcliffe run sporting issues. I believe the moment has come for change. Ratcliffe, a British national, is familiar with the club’s supporters. Fans, players, coaches, and the manager would all be affected by him.

“He would also bring the steadiness that Old Trafford currently seems to be lacking. Like during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, Man United must bring back off-field discussion on the playing surface. The supporters desire success on the field.

“Manchester United will always rank among the top clubs in the world. The club is still successful both on and off the field, so the Glazers haven’t done a bad job in the interim, but for me. Ratcliffe would have a positive sports impact on the club, and I believe the moment is right for someone else to take control.

Smart responded, “Yes, to some extent. I believe Jassim’s offer would be able to erase the club’s debt, make significant structural changes both off and on the field, and also spend a lot of money in the club.

“But one of my concerns is that can he bring the right people to manage the club’s sporting activities that would bring Man United in the spot-light again as one of the best clubs 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 organization while also creating a pleasant atmosphere and culture.

In order to avoid a deterioration in the club’s reputation, they also need someone who is prepared to make difficult choices, and Ratcliffe is able to provide this for the team.