Man Utd takeover news: Bidders to ‘hear this week’ amid concerns over Glazers’ plans

Parties interested in buying Manchester United or investing in the club are expected to hear back from financial advisers Raine Group this week, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim those in contention are expected to be given full access to the club’s financial records and add there is a chance ‘some of the groups involved may be put into contact with each other with a view to forming consortiums’. There has also been a suggestion that co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer might use offers of investment to buy out their siblings, who also own shares, and to redevelop the stadium and training ground.

A separate report from the Mail states that US hedge fund Elliott Management have made an offer to buy the club but would also consider financing Old Trafford’s renovations if the Glazers were to remain in charge.

That’s becoming an increasing possibility for the Red Devils, with Joel and Avram Glazer reluctant to sell the club. The latter was at Wembley on Sunday as United beat Newcastle United 2-0 to lift the Carabao Cup, which may be interpreted as a sign of his continued interest in the fortunes of the 20-time English league champions.

It was a rare appearance from any of the Glazer family, although the co-owner was booed when he appeared on the TV screen at Wembley, while there were multiple banners and chants from the United supporters in opposition of the American custodians. Meanwhile, speaking after the match, Ten Hag claimed Glazer’s attendance showed his ‘intentions’ and ‘commitment’, although he failed to clarify if those comments were in relation to the club’s long-term ownership.

The speculation that the Glazers may not sell has also impacted the club’s share price which had dropped by as much as 13 percent at one stage on Sunday. Only Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ineos, whose majority shareholder is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have publicly declared their interest in buying United, however the Financial Times report the bids are ‘not high enough for the billionaire Glazer family to sell the club’.

“The Glazers have received a variety of proposals from other potential suitors, including several minority investment proposals that would allow them to raise capital at a more attractive price and retain control of the English Premier League club,” FT added, while stating that a decision should be made by the Glazers before the summer.